Newcastle United chief scout Steve Nickson has been on scouting duties this week, watching two players in Liverpool’s Champions League tie at home to Ligue 1 side Lille.

The 59-year-old, who has now been at the club for over 13 years, was also in attendance for Brentford’s 2-2 draw against Man City, scouting two of the hosts’ attackers.

Newcastle are clearly in need of a new right-winger, but it seems we are also keeping a close eye on other areas of the pitch as we anticipate a massive summer ahead.

Nickson travels to see two Lille stars

As revealed by Craig Hope at The Mail, Steve Nickson was joined by Man Utd chief Simon Wells in scouting two Lille talents on Tuesday night.

He reports that Nickson was at Anfield to watch striker Jonathan David and Lille teammate Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, a 21-year-old Icelandic international who can play both in midfield and out on the wing.

Haraldsson has been compared to Luka Modric for his ability on the ball and is considered ‘one to watch’ this summer after looking the ‘best player on the pitch’ on Nickson’s trip to Merseyside.

As for David, he scored on the night and appears to be a long-term target, with several clubs set to battle for his signature this summer as he prepares to leave on a free transfer.

Another striker needed to support Isak?

Newcastle don’t have a big issue when it comes to strikers with Alexander Isak in such incredible form this season, but the obvious worry is should he pick up an injury and we are left with the inexperienced William Osula.

Callum Wilson is also expected to leave the club in the summer, leaving us with a gaping hole in attack, especially if we are to qualify for Europe and once again see our fixture list packed next year.

There is bound to be lots of competition for David, who has scored 102 goals in five years in France, but Newcastle will be hoping to have the pull of Champions League football to entice the 25-year-old.