The striker is set to become and Newcastle player this weekend and comes highly recommended
Nick Woltemade of VFB Stuttgart
Nick Woltemade is set to sign for Newcastle United
Nick Woltemade heads to Newcastle United and the Premier with the praise of one of Germany's all-time greats still ringing in his ears. What's more, it comes from someone who has directly come up against the tall striker already this season.
Woltemade's move to Tyneside from Stuttgart is expected to be completed this weekend, with the 23-year-old moving to United for what will be a club record £65m once add-ons are taken into consideration.
The deal represents a big step for Newcastle, who have spent much of the summer searching for suitable forward options, only to be frustrated every step of the way.
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United were already looking for a replacement for the departed Callum Wilson before Alexander Isak withdrew his services in an ongoing attempt to secure a transfer to Liverpool.
That deal remains uncertain, with United hoping to add yet more firepower to their squad before Monday's 7pm transfer deadline.
Deals for Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen remain in negotiation, with Newcastle unwilling to sell Isak unless they have replacements through the door.
Woltemade's emergence at Stuttgart last season caught the eye of the United scouting network, with big things expected of the 6ft 6in striker.
He already has one goal to his name for the Bundesliga outfit, and although he was on the losing side in the German Supercup clash with Bayern Munich earlier this month, he left one man in particular impressed.
Manuel Neuer of Bayern Muenchen with Nick Woltemade of VFB Stuttgart
Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich with Nick Woltemade of Stuttgart ahead of the German Supercup
German goalkeeper legend Manuel Neuer frustrated Woltemade and Stuttgart on the day, with Jamie Lewelling's late effort a consolation in a 2-1 win for Bayern, thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz.
However, he was quick to praise the striker after the match, with a message that Newcastle fans will no doubt love.
“He’s a good player. He’s called Woltemessi for a reason”, Neuer said. "He’s good on the ball and unpredictable."
Woltemade will link up with the German national squad for their games with Slovakia and Northern ireland next month, and is in line to make his Newcastle debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park on September 13.