Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade. _(Image: PA Wire)_
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NEWCASTLE United have made a major breakthrough in their summer-long search for a centre-forward, with the Magpies agreeing a deal with Stuttgart to sign highly-rated German talent Nick Woltemade.
The 23-year-old German international, who starred at the European Under-21 Championships in the summer, is set to arrive on Tyneside to undergo his medical tonight.
It comes after Newcastle and Stuttgart agreed a reported £75m deal for the striker, who is seen as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in Europe.
Thursday's breakthrough is a huge and much-needed boost for the Magpies, who have endured a frustrating summer of transfer setbacks and are still dealing with the uncertainty of Alexander Isak's situation.
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Newcastle will remain in the market for a second striker, though it's not clear at this stage what the arrival of Woltemade will mean in the pursuit of Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen. There are suggestions Newcastle deem the pair to be too similar, and will instead prioritise the signing of Yoane Wissa, though they've been frustrated by the slow progress on that front this summer.
If Newcastle manage to sign a second striker, that would likely spark movement on the Isak front, though Liverpool would still have to match Newcastle's valuation.
The Premier League champions haven't made an offer for Isak since their initial £110m bid was rejected.
After scoring 17 times for Stuttgart last season, Woltemade was in-demand this summer, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich among the clubs interested.
But Woltemade is understood to have expressed his desire to move to the Premier League and talks progressed quickly between Newcastle and Stuttgart this week.
Woltemade is due to arrive later tonight and will put the finishing touches to his move on Friday.
The deal won't be confirmed in time for Woltemade to feature at Leeds on Saturday night, with Howe likely to field Will Osula up-front at Elland Road after Anthony Gordon's red card against Liverpool.