Newcastle United have agreed a £70m deal to sign Stuttgart and Germany striker Nick Woltemade, with the 23-year-old set 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 caps for Germany, scored 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart last season. Standing at 6ft 6in, the forward is known for his skill and has been dubbed a 'Two metre Messi-Musiala' by Stuttgart fans. His arrival ends manager Eddie Howe's long search for a striker, following rejections from several targets including Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitiké, João Pedro and Benjamin Sesko.
The signing could pave the way for Alexander Isak's move to Liverpool. Newcastle have rejected a £110m offer from the Premier League champions, but with Isak refusing to train or play in an attempt to force a transfer, a bid closer to £130m may be accepted. Woltemade's role will include converting crosses from Anthony Elanga, a £55m arrival from Nottingham Forest this summer.
Newcastle have also signed Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsdale from Milan, Aston Villa and Southampton respectively. However, Howe remains in the market for another striker 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 after multiple bids were turned down.
