Newcastle United primed to smash transfer record before Leeds United showdown
Newcastle United head to West Yorkshire for Saturday’s clash with Leeds United, with both sides battling injury issues and navigating late transfer drama.
Leeds United are pushing to add to their 10 recruits, while uncertainty around Alexander Isak clouds Newcastle’s plans as the transfer deadline looms.
Fresh arrivals could still feature if deals are wrapped up before the noon deadline tomorrow. All players must be officially registered before 12pm Friday.
Daniel Farke has hinted at altering Leeds’ formation against Newcastle, though the gulf in quality between the promoted club and the Champions League side remains key.
Paul Merson echoed similar thoughts on Leeds versus Newcastle, but everything could shift if the Magpies secure an Isak successor to lead the line while Anthony Gordon is banned.
Newcastle have monitored Artem Dovbyk, who was once linked with Leeds earlier this window. Howe’s side may require a new striker before the market closes.
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie confirmed Newcastle reached an agreement with VfB Stuttgart for forward Nick Woltemade, a teammate of Leeds-linked striker Emerdin Demirovic, with the deal worth £60.5m plus £4.5m in add-ons.
Leeds have fared better than Newcastle recently, yet Downie reports the total package exceeds £65m, adding that Woltemade is undergoing a medical this morning.
The forward could also line up against Ilia Gruev, having played alongside the Bulgarian during his Werder Bremen spell a few years ago.
The latest update confirms a club-record £69m fee, with the German international set for a Friday medical in Newcastle. However, everything must be signed off before midday for him to face Leeds.
