via Reuters
Manchester United are interested in signing Nick Woltemade after learning that Newcastle United are willing to sanction the striker's departure this summer..
Woltemade endured a difficult debut season in English football, scoring just eight Premier League goals as the Magpies finished 12th. Despite this, the German is attracting interest from several clubs, including the Red Devils, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa.
United considered a move for Woltemade last summer, but ultimately ended up signing Benjamin Sesko for £74 million instead.
Michael Carrick is eager to add another centre-forward to his ranks this summer to compete with Sesko, and the north-west club are on red alert after discovering that Newcastle are prepared to let Woltemade leave, either on loan or permanently.
Man Utd Eyeing Move For Benjamin Sesko
Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade
United's focus thus far this summer has been on rebuilding their midfield department, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively.
While one more addition is required in this area, the Red Devils are prepared to shift their focus towards bolstering their attack in the coming weeks. A left-winger is on the agenda, while a striker who can provide cover and competition for Sesko is also a top priority.
According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle have informed Woltemade that he can leave on loan this summer, and that United have identified the 24-year-old as a candidate to fill the aforementioned role in their squad.
While the Tyensiders aren't against a permanent departure, they'd demand a fee of around €65 million (£56 million) for the player and are realistic about their chances of garnering a sum this significant. They believe a temporary stint away from St. James' Park could rejuvenate Woltemade's stock in the game, making attracting this fee more likely in an upcoming window.
United are keeping a close eye on the situation, and are aware that they'll have to fend off interest from Liverpool, among others, for the former Stuttgart man's signature.
Man Utd Should Steer Clear of Woltemade
nick woltemade
United undoubtedly need a striker to replace Joshua Zirkzee and supplement Sesko. However, Woltemade isn't the right man to fill this role.
While the Germany international showed glimpses of his talent last season, he ultimately didn't demonstrate enough to warrant genuine interest from Champions League teams. He's certainly an adequate backboard for neat combination play and can hold the ball up effectively, but this comes at the detriment to his ability to break into the box and get on the end of chances.
Ultimately, he's had one impressive season in his career to date, which saw him net 12 goals in the notoriously defensively chaotic Bundesliga.
United have been linked with Victor Osimhen, and this would be a much more sensible investment if they can land the Nigerian.
Roberto De Zerbi emotional as he claps Brighton fans
Roberto De Zerbi emotional as he claps Brighton fans