Nick Woltemade ready to push for Newcastle exit as PIF put transfer plan into action
Nick Woltemade is expected to push to leave Newcastle United this summer, with the club looking to add a new striker to the squad, sources have told Football Insider.
Eddie Howe has made it clear that he wants a new frontman added to his group ahead of next season, and the Magpies’ PIF ownership are willing to make that happen.
Woltemade is already down the pecking order at St James’ Park, and sources have indicated that a move to add another option in his position may provide the final straw for his time in the North East.
The 24-year-old has a number of clubs that would be willing to try to prise him away this summer, but there is an acceptance that a deal will be difficult given the £69million price tag that he moved for last year.
The former Stuttgart man is firmly out of favour with Howe at the moment, and Woltemade could take his Newcastle future into his own hands if a new addition to the frontline becomes a reality.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBNewcastle reluctant to santion ‘huge loss’ on Nick Woltemade
Woltemade’s recent issues were compounded last time out against Brighton, when the big-money signing was left out of the matchday squad altogether by Howe.
His form has hit a serious slump after an initially bright start to life in the Premier League back in autumn, and there has been little sign of him finding his feet again anytime soon.
| Woltemade at Newcastle | Stats | Woltemade at Stuttgart |
| 30 (21) | Apps (Starts) | 28 (17) |
| 7 (6.39) | Goals (xG) | 12 (10.4) |
| 0.37 | Goals per 90 | 0.67 |
| 0.64 | Shots on Target per 90 | 1.44 |
| 0.32 | Big Chances Missed per 90 | 0.61 |
| 22.6% | Conversion Rate | 24.5% |
That has prompted serious speculation in recent weeks that the big German could already be on his way out of St James’ this summer, but it is clear that his future represents a difficult problem for Newcastle.
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Newcastle want to avoid a “huge loss” on Woltemade, but that is likely to mean they massively limit the number of clubs that could buy him as a result.
They are reluctant to sanction a departure for the star unless they are able to recoup the majority of their £69m outlay, but that has already put off Bayern Munich, who had been long-term admirers.
That could become a familiar issue for the Tynesiders this summer, as they look to try and find a solution for their underperforming frontman.
Magpies approached over Nicolas Jackson deal
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last week that Newcastle have held talks with Nicolas Jackson’s agent, as he tries to drum up summer interest for his client.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for the Chelsea striker in recent weeks, with Bayern Munich confirming that they will not be taking up their option to buy him at the end of his loan spell.
Brown suggested that Jackson’s agent has already been circulating his name around several top clubs, as he looks to engineer a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
It is currently unclear as to whether Howe and Co. will take up Jackson’s camp on their offer of his services, as it is set to depend heavily on their ability to splash the cash this summer.
If Newcastle are willing to spend big once again, then a move for Jackson could be the cog that sets Woltemade’s departure in motion.
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