Newcastle United have now launched into the race to sign a Champions League winner, making contact alongside a number of Premier League clubs.
Shearer slams Woltemade: "Nowhere near good enough"
It's been a brutal season for the Magpies, who suffered from transfer window chaos before failing to find their form with a new-look frontline.
A big part of that new-look frontline has been Nick Woltemade. The German arrived for a club-record £69m, but has struggled to maintain what was initially an incredibly impressive start in Tyneside.
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Woltemade's struggles have provided Eddie Howe with quite the conundrum, with the forward even featuring in midfield as of late - raising suggestions that the Newcastle boss is unsure how to get the best out of his big-money arrival.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer didn't hold back after the former Stuttgart man struggled again in defeat against Everton, saying: “When you look at the stats here from Woltemade, it’s nowhere near good enough.
“I know part of that has been in midfield, but part of that was also up front today. No goals, no assists, no shots, no touches in the opposition box (across two games vs Manchester City and Everton), and just 14 touches today (vs Everton).
Nick Woltemade for Newcastle
“It’s not all his fault because others have to improve and step up. But there’s no doubt that it’s a conundrum for Howe as to where and how he gets the best out of him."
It's clear that the Magpies need an attacking spark in the summer transfer window and that's exactly what they could get in the form of a talented Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.
As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle have now made contact to sign Senny Mayulu, launching informal enquiries into securing the PSG youngster this summer.
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They are joined by Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa in what could be quite the transfer battle in the Premier League.
Mayulu is yet to sign a new contract in France and that could yet force PSG's hand. As things stand, his current deal expires in 2027 and reports suggest that the Parisians will look to cash-in for around €70m (£61m) if they cannot negotiate a new contract before then.
It's easy to see why there's so much interest in Mayulu, who's already a Champions League winner. Talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the midfielder "amazing" last season and he's since scored four goals and set up another five in all competitions this season.