Newcastle United‘s Nick Woltemade has increasingly emerged as a target for Juventus and a move is gathering pace. Manchester United have also played a part in this movement.
This week, Sport Witness have covered how Bianconeri manager Luciano Spalletti is keen on the German. He has spoken to him personally and has expressed great admiration for his skillset.
Juve have also been interested in Joshua Zirkzee but Woltemade’s profile is much more convincing to Spalletti.
Now, things are moving fast, with Newcastle United in discussions over a deal.
Transfer domino ongoing
Orazio Accomando reports that Juve and the Magpies are inching towards a possible agreement for Woltemade.
The two clubs have been in ‘constant contact’ to close a transfer, with Juve seeing the move as a favourable opportunity. The same isn’t true for Zirkzee, as the terms could be difficult to match.
Gazzetta dello Sport add their spin, clarifying that Newcastle United have opened up to a dry loan deal. This has worked in Juve’s favour, as the Old Lady would pay a loan fee of €5m only. The ex-Stuttgart man is someone the Old Lady always had on their shortlist and they see this as a chance to capitalise.
In the meantime, Manchester United have refused similar terms to let Zirkzee leave. They have demanded an option or an obligation to buy, which doesn’t suit the Italian giants.
As a result, a move for the Germany international is going in the right direction.
Our take: Magpies have replacement sorted
Things have clearly moved quickly, as Newcastle United are closing in on Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is a proven goalscorer.
He will replace Woltemade, who will be a reliable squad option for the Old Lady. For now, Randal Kolo Muani is Spalletti’s preferred striker but the German offers a different profile.
And with Juve playing in the Europa League, the 24-year-old will get his chances to make a mark.
