The Johnny Warren Medal-winner was missing from Avispa Fukuoka’s line-up at the weekend and it seems likely that his stint in the second tier of Japanese football will be cut short.

Socceroo coach Pim Verbeek had planned to watch Griffiths, only for the striker to miss out and Jets coach Gary van Egmond has now cancelled plans to drop in on Griffiths as he makes his way back from a scouting/recruitment trip to Europe.

Griffiths had been due to stay in Japan until June 12 but with contract talks looming with the Jets and his ankle not 100 per cent, it seems the Hunter beckons sooner rather than later.

The player is looking for a long-term deal at EnergyAustralia Stadium with owner Con Constantine also mooting a potential junior coaching role for Griffiths further down the line.

As for fresh recruits, van Egmond is now on his way back to Australia after a spell in Italy with no new players in tow but a list of ‘possibles’.

He told the Herald: “We have been impressed by a number of players, but it is a slow process. There is a situation where some teams are close to relegation or promotion and there are also play-offs.

“We have identified players from Serie B, some from Serie C, Serie D; players in other countries.

“It is now a matter of going through the list and determining the ones we want. I will have a good talk with [director of football] Remo Nogarotto and nut something out.

“We will bring three, possibly four, players to Australia for 10 days and make a decision.”

Newcastle have also been linked with outgoing Adelaide United duo Bobby Petta and Milan Susak.