Despite endless speculation which has seen North linked with clubs in Turkey, France and Belgium, he remains a Newcastle Jet for now.

However, van Egmond is not counting on the status quo to remain ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at the end of this month.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "Yes, we have a back-up plan and as a coach you are always having to think about situations and how to adapt to them."

Van Egmond is keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of revealing his targets but he says it's a case of crossing that bridge when it comes to it.

"As I've said, Jade is still a Newcastle player and we're very happy with that situation," said the coach.

Newcastle face Perth Glory tomorrow night, a team they haven't enjoyed the best of fortunes against historically but van Egmond is more than happy at the prospect of playing at Members Equity Stadium.

A major reason for that is the quality of the surface. He said: "It's one of the few places that's a football ground only.

"It's going to be a difficult match. It's their first home game and they'll be looking to get off to a good start in front of their own fans.

"We have to be alert, especially at set pieces and with the pace of (Nikita) Rukavytsya."