Since Frandsen ruptured his cruciate ligament a fortnight ago, Mahon has twice played alongside Jimmy Bullard in the engine room while Gareth Whalley has featured there once.
Mahon caught the eye in both of his appearances in the middle, setting up Latics goal at Derby and then scoring himself against Rotherham on Saturday.
But at Watford last Tuesday night he didn't enjoy his best night after being shifted out to the left wing.
Jewell wants a midfielder who can bring a calming influence to the midfield as well as weigh in with a few goals to take the pressure off the strikers
He said: "Per's injury has left us with a gap to fill.
"Alan Mahon and Gareth Whalley have done well, but we might need a certain player who is quite difficult to find.
"We have been looking at players because our squad is stretched and it would be nice if we can bring someone in during the break.
"I was pleased to see Mahony scoring on Saturday because we need more goals from the rest of the team, not just our strikers.
"He likes playing in the centre of midfield rather than out on the wing because he can get involved in the game a lot more.
"That is probably his favourite position and it was nice that he scored when playing there."
Latics' bid to land a new face or two seemed to have gathered pace on Saturday when Dave Whelan missed the Rotherham game, only returning to the JJB Stadium afterwards.
He's believed to have been away watching a target in action, something the chairman has done in the past before rubber stamping a deal.
One player linked with the club at the weekend was Preston midfielder Dickson Etuhu who is in the last season of his current contract at Deepdale.
The former Manchester City player has an eye for goal and at 6ft 2, has the physical strength Jewell could be looking for.
On the out-going front, Paul Mitchell is to stay on loan at Swindon Town for a second month, although Latics will have a 24 hour recall on him.
He's caught the eye of Robins boss Andy King in the past few weeks despite playing at right-back instead of his favoured midfield role.
King said: "I think Paul has done well in his time here.
"Right-back in not his preferred position, he likes to play in the centre of midfield, but I think he has done more than an adequate job there.
"I don't want to discuss a more permanent deal yet, as I have just got another month's loan with him.
"I will start to think about that when the time is right."
*.....Latics reserves are in action tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2pm) against Hartlepool at the Robin Park Arena.
*.....The Supporters Club are running a coach to the England Under-21 game against Wales at Blackburn's Ewood Park ground on Friday.
Latics left-back Leighton Baines is in the squad for the game and will hope to add to the two caps he collected against Austria and Poland last month.