Jason Tindall highlights major Newcastle United transfer conundrum that Paul Mitchell must solve

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Paul Mitchell is going to have a very busy summer as Newcastle United’s sporting director.

While PSR remains a concern, Newcastle United are going to have the capacity to splash some cash.

Newcastle won’t have a limitless transfer budget, but they are in a position to strengthen a squad that needs freshening up.

One position that the Magpies are expected to address is striker. Callum Wilson could leave Newcastle, with his contract due to expire this summer. And while Will Osula has potential, there are question marks over whether or not he is ready to be Alexander Isak’s main understudy.

Jason Tindall sums up Newcastle United’s striker problem

That is why Newcastle United are planning to sign a striker, but Jason Tindall has just inadvertently summed up why it will be difficult for Paul Mitchell to tempt someone to Tyneside.

During his press conference before facing Crystal Palace, Tindall spoke about Osula’s lack of opportunities since arriving at the club.

The Newcastle United assistant manager admitted it was difficult for Osula to play regularly with Isak ahead of him in the pecking order.

“When you’re competing for a place alongside Alex Isak is not easy,” he said.

“He’s one of the best strikers in Europe.”

Signing a backup for Alexander Isak is going to be a challenge

The reason why Osula is struggling for minutes is the reason why Newcastle United may struggle to sign the striker they want.

Whoever arrives at St James’ Park will arrive with the knowledge that they are not going to be first choice. That honour is always going to belong to Isak, who is one of the best forwards on the planet.

It is why Liam Delap is unlikely to join Newcastle, and it is why talk of Toon interest in Jonathan David feels farfetched.

It presents Mitchell with a challenge. If Wilson leaves as expected, it is absolutely essential that a forward arrives to provide cover for Isak. But who that will be remains to be seen.

Newcastle are interested in Matheus Cunha, and he could be a good option due to his versatility. While he would be a regular starter for Howe’s side in a different position, he could provide striker cover in the same way that Anthony Gordon does.

Alternatively, the Magpies could bring in someone young like they did with Osula. However, that would be a risk.