Newcastle United stance on second striker signing that would green light Alexander Isak to Liverpool
Newcastle United remain active in the transfer window, despite the imminent signing of Nick Woltmade.
Eddie Howe has confirmed Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.
The Magpies have agreed a club-record £69million fee for Woltemade, who arrived on Tyneside last night ahead of undergoing his medical today. United are trying to get the deal done in time for him to feature at Leeds United on Saturday evening.
Woltemade only joined Stuttgart on a free transfer last summer but his 17 goals in 33 appearances, as well as being top scorer at this summer’s under-21s European Championship, has attracted interest from several top European clubs.
The 23-year-old had been expected to join Bayern Munich but Newcastle have swooped in after the Bundesliga champions failed to reach an agreement.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe on Nick Woltemade
Asked about the imminent arrival of Woltemade, Howe said: “[Can’t say] too much, but positive signs. I think things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment. Until things are done, I can't confirm anything, but fingers crossed.
“Without talking about the individual player, because that's not right, we believe in our ability to try and coach players, help players maximise their ability and take their games to the next level.”
Will Alexander Isak now join Liverpool?
All summer, Howe’s side have been looking to sign a striker to replace Callum Wilson but the search has been exacerbated by Alexander Isak going on strike in an attempt to force through a move to Liverpool.
When asked if Isak was now likely to leave the club as a result of Woltemade’s imminent arrival, Howe replied: “Difficult for me to give you any clarity on the future. I've said before, I don't know what the future holds in that respect because I'm not dealing with it myself.
“I've got no update from what I spoke about the other day. I'm concentrating on trying to bring players to the club.”
Newcastle United still active in the transfer window
But Howe did confirm the Magpies were still active in the transfer market, but wouldn’t be drawn on whether that is for a second striker, which, if it happened, would almost certainty green light’s exit to Liverpool.
Asked if he hopes NUFC can signing another striker after Woltemade, Howe said: “We've got no one through the door currently, so we're working hard on that. As I said, I think once that situation is resolved, either way, we'll then make a call on what we do next.”
Howe said: “We're still looking because I think there's still an opportunity maybe to improve the squad further. But I don't know quite what that will look like. But I think just small steps really. Let's try and get the deal that we're working on done and then see where we are.