Transfer shortly before the deadline? New club are apparently eyeing Nick Woltemade
The rumours surrounding Nick Woltemade are gathering pace again following speculation about a return to VfB Stuttgart or a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Napoli have asked Newcastle United about a loan deal for the 24-year-old forward. Romano did not reveal, however, whether the Magpies' decision-makers have already responded to the approach from Serie A.
Yet rumours around Newcastle in recent weeks suggest the Premier League club are in no mood to let the 1.98-metre international striker leave this summer. After a mixed debut season in England, the sporting leadership at St James' Park still believe the Bremen-born player can make his breakthrough.
To finally unlock Woltemade's full potential, new Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle has reportedly already contacted Sebastian Hoeneß. In the exchange with Woltemade's former coach at VfB Stuttgart, the main focus was on which position the tall forward can offer the greatest added value in the tactical setup.
Nick Woltemade: rumours over transfer to Stuttgart and Dortmund
After those talks, speculation over a possible loan return to Swabia quickly emerged. One key trigger was Newcastle's interest in Bilal El Khannouss, who is regarded as a sale candidate at VfB. Bild dismissed the idea of a supposed swap deal, however: a Woltemade comeback in the Ländle is not an issue for any of the parties.
That also appears to be the case with Borussia Dortmund. BVB were repeatedly mentioned as a possible loan destination, but according to Sport Bild there was never any direct contact at any point between the player's side and the Westphalians.
How high was the transfer fee for Nick Woltemade?
Reports of interest from RB Leipzig are also said to be completely unfounded. Fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest are also said to have sounded out a move. Newcastle, however, immediately blocked that approach.
A year ago, the Magpies paid a transfer fee of €75 million to VfB Stuttgart for Woltemade. In his first season with the English traditional club, the forward made 52 competitive appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists.
