Sources: Update on Nick Woltemade leaving Newcastle by deadline

Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade could leave ahead of Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline but his departure hangs in the balance, sources have told Football Insider.

The frontman has emerged as a last-minute target for both Juventus and Napoli, but the Italian duo both have several other options that they are weighing up to strengthen their frontlines.

Newcastle are willing to let the 24-year-old leave the club, but will not force him out in the next 48 hours.

Any exit for Woltemade will come in the form of a loan deal, with sources indicating that the Magpies will not consider a permanent departure until next summer at the earliest.

They are aware that a sale of the former Stuttgart man would require them to take a big “hit” on their previous £69million investment in him from last summer. 

The German notched 11 goals and four assists last season, and came off the bench to assist Yoane Wissa’s goal in the 2-0 win over Tottenham last weekend.

Nick Woltemade’s future in the balance

Matthias Jaissle’s arrival in the dugout is likely to have reset the standing of several players within the Newcastle squad, but it has not benefitted Woltemade so far.

He has begun the season as Wissa’s understudy, and has played just 19 minutes across the first two weekends of Premier League action. 

There is a feeling at St James’ Park that a loan move to Serie A could be a good fit for all parties, but the Magpies are relying on cogs elsewhere to fall into place.

Juventus and Napoli both pursuing other strikers leaves the door open for Woltemade to ultimately stay put for another few months at least.

The big-money signing endured a challenging debut campaign on Tyneside, but the club still haven’t given up hope of him becoming an effective force in the Premier League.

Ross Wilson being ‘scapegoated’ at Newcastle

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider last week that he believes that sporting director Ross Wilson is being made into the “scapegoat” at Newcastle after a difficult summer in the transfer market.

This comes after Football Insider revealed earlier in August that the recruitment chief was “fighting to keep his job” at St James’.

However, Wyness believes that it would be hugely “unfair” if Wilson were relieved of his duties, and feels that he cannot be blamed for the series of big-name exits that has been seen this summer. 

Newcastle’s positive start to the new season has eased some of the tension on Tyneside, but Wilson is sure to remain in the spotlight.