The Magpies are set for a busy final few days of the window - just don't mention Callum Wilson replacements to Eddie Howe!
Nick Woltemade of VfB Stuttgart celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the DFB Cup Round One match between Eintracht Braunschweig and VfB Stuttgart at Eintracht-Stadion on August 26, 2025 in Braunschweig, Germany
Nick Woltemade during Stuttgart's clash against Eintracht Braunschweig
(Image: Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images)
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has insisted he won't classify anybody as a replacement for Callum Wilson.
With Nick Woltemade expected to take the number 27 shirt at Newcastle once his move from Stuttgart is confirmed, it will leave the iconic no.9 shirt vacant at St James' Park.
As reported by Chronicle Live this week, Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen is believed to be undaunted about taking the 9 shirt if his move from Molineux goes through this weekend.
But while many fans are weighing up who replaces who, with Alexander Isak braced for a last gasp exit to Liverpool before deadline day, Howe has warned he does not see his late August business in the same way.
When asked if Woltemade was coming in to replace Wilson, Howe said: "No, they don't have that label from me. I understand the question, but I think we're just trying to sign the best players possible that we feel can help our team.
"There's no label attached to anyone we bring in. They will fight and compete for the shirt like everybody else.
"And then what happens from there is down to their own ability."
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What is Nick Woltemade's best position?
The 23-year-old has been deemed both a 9 and a 10 in the Bundesliga, but his statistics make for pleasant reading regardless of what position you delve into.
In his career in Germany, Woltemade has played 102 times as a centre-forward, scoring 57 goals and making 21 assists.
As a second striker, Woltemade netted 14 goals in 35 games and made three assists and he's also had shifts as an attacking midfielder or right or left winger on brief occasions.
It will be intriguing to see how the Newcastle coaching staff use the 6ft 6in signing.
David Frattesi enquiry leaves Inter Milan baffled
Inter Milan supremo Beppe Marotta was said to be mystified by talk of Newcastle making a late bid for midfielder David Frattesi this week.
The prospect of the Italy star, represented by Sandro Tonali's agency, leaving are deemed a non-starter as Inter don't want to sell according to sources at the Serie A club.
Of course, every player has a price and nothing can be dismissed in the last frantic few days of the window. But with Newcastle's injury to Tonali not as bad as first feared and Joelinton expected back after the international break, United are a lot cooler on midfield options now.
Nevertheless the 25-year-old Rome-born midfielder is a player Newcastle have scouted extensively and Howe is believed to be a fan of.