Newcastle United have agreed a £70m deal to sign Stuttgart and Germany striker Nick Woltemade, with the 23-year-old due to undergo a medical on Tyneside on Friday morning. The fee includes £5m in add-ons, making it a club record transfer, surpassing the £63m paid for Alexander Isak three years ago.
Woltemade, who has two Germany caps and scored 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart last season, was a top target for Bayern Munich this summer. His arrival ends manager Eddie Howe's lengthy search for a striker, after being rejected by several targets including Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitiké, João Pedro and Benjamin Sesko.
The deal could pave the way for Alexander Isak's long-coveted move to Liverpool. Newcastle have already rebuffed a £110m offer from the Premier League champions, but with Isak refusing to train or play as he pushes for a move, a bid closer to £130m may be accepted.
Howe remains in the market for two strikers after Callum Wilson joined West Ham. A second £55m bid for Wolves' Jørgen Strand Larsen was rejected, while negotiations for Brentford's Yoane Wissa continue, with Newcastle having at least two bids turned down for the DR Congo striker.
Standing at 6ft 6in, Woltemade is a deceptively skilful centre-forward, dubbed a 'Two metre Messi-Musiala' by Stuttgart fans. He will be tasked with converting crosses from Anthony Elanga, a £55m arrival from Nottingham Forest. Newcastle have also signed Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsdale this window, adding depth to Howe's squad.
