We used Football Manager to find Newcastle United’s perfect Anthony Gordon alternative - including Arsenal and Aston Villa stars

Newcastle United’s pursuit of fresh attacking talent this summer has proven to be a frustrating affair.

The Magpies have been linked with a number of high profile names in recent weeks, but thus far, haven’t been able to seal any deals in advanced areas of the pitch.

The latest player touted as a Toon target is Everton’s Anthony Gordon, although United are said to be facing stiff competition from Chelsea for his signature - while the Toffees are also understood to be reluctant to sell.

As such, there is every chance that Newcastle could miss out on yet another new attacker in the coming days.

With that in mind, who should United look to sign before the transfer window closes?

We turned to Football Manager 22 to find out.

The popular video game franchise is renowned for its meticulous detail and authentic approach to the world of, well, football management, and we thought we’d use its extensive transfer scouting system to ask it who would be the ideal alternative to Gordon.

Check out all of its suggestions below...

Federico Chiesa

The Italian is one of the most highly-rated attacking talents in Europe, and has established himself as a key presence for both club and country. A ruptured cruciate ligament has left him sidelined in recent months, and Juventus would be unlikely to part with him any time soon upon his return either.

Juan Cuadrado

Once of Chelsea, the 34-year-old now plies his trade at Juve alongside Chiesa. His age could ultimately prove to be a deciding factor in any potential interest, with the Magpies seemingly opting for a more long-term approach to their gradual rebuild under Eddie Howe.

Leon Bailey

The Aston Villa winger has pace to burn and Premier League experience to boot. Perhaps not as unrealistic as other names thrown up by Football Manager, but with a clear place in Steven Gerrard’s plans and a contract that runs until 2025, any deal for the Jamaican would likely be a pricey one.

Bukayo Saka

For most clubs, signing Saka would represent a massive, massive coup. The Arsenal wide man is one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, and remains an integral member of Mikel Arteta’s squad in north London. For that reason alone, it’s unlikely he’ll be leaving his boyhood club anytime soon.

Diego Lainez

Still only 22, Lainez’s career has taken a slightly unexpected turn of late. The Mexican is currently on loan at SC Braga from parent club Real Betis, but there’s no doubting his quality, and his versatility would make him an attractive prospect for United.

Lucas Ocampos

Capable of playing on either flank, the Argentine international has been on the books at Sevilla since 2019, and was actually linked with the Magpies in real life late last year. Again, not the most unrealistic suggestion in the world, but whether his current employers would be willing to sell a regular starter is a different matter entirely.

Daniel Podence

Podence has impressed since arriving in the Premier League with Wolves, and is exactly the sort of player who could thrive on Tyneside. Versatile, creative, and in the prime of his career, the Magpies could do a whole lot worse than the Portuguese star.