Nick Woltemade could be handed lifeline from Newcastle nightmare by Champions League club

Napoli are reportedly eyeing a loan move for Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade.

The Magpies’ club-record signing could leave St. James’ Park before the end of the transfer window.

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Woltemade was left out of the starting line-up by new manager Matthias Jaissle against Liverpool on Sunday.

The forward remained an unused substitute as the two sides played out a 2-2 draw on the Premier League’s opening weekend.

Although Woltemade was handed a start in the Carabao Cup against West Brom on Wednesday, he failed to score in a 3-2 home win.

Napoli could now offer the Germany international a route out of the club.

Napoli eye Woltemade

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Serie A giants have made contact with Newcastle regarding Woltemade’s availability.

Discussions have taken place during the last 24 hours between the two clubs, the report adds.

The Magpies now face a decision, with Napoli also considering a potential deal for Chelsea’s Marc Guiu.

Their plans to sign a new centre-forward follows Romelu Lukaku’s departure to Fenerbahce earlier this month.

It leaves Rasmus Hojlund carrying the goalscoring burden for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.

He led the line on Saturday as Napoli kicked off their campaign with an away victory over Genoa.

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Hojlund’s loan from Manchester United was made permanent following Napoli’s qualification for this season’s Champions League.

They will face both Arsenal and Manchester City during the league phase.

Woltemade’s Newcastle future

Woltemade could soon line-up for Napoli in both Serie A and the Champions League this term.

It would see the 24-year-old depart Newcastle just a year on from his £69million arrival from Stuttgart.

However, he has since struggled to establish himself as the club’s No.9 despite scoring 11 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions.

Of those strikes, only eight came in the Premier League under Eddie Howe last term.

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If Woltemade was to leave Newcastle before Tuesday’s deadline, it would leave Yoane Wissa and William Osula as the club’s striker options.

Napoli’s interest comes after Woltemade was tipped for a move to another Italian club playing in this season’s Champions League.

European football journalist Andy Brassell urged him to consider joining Cesc Fabregas’ Como.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Brassell explained: “They clearly need an upgrade or at least some assistance.

“Because they’re going into the Champions League as well, which is earlier than they expected. But they’re going to need to beef up that squad.

“So an interesting one, if we’re looking at loans from the Premier League. I wonder if Nick Woltemade would suit them, actually.

“Now I’m sure that if it doesn’t work out medium term for Woltemade at Newcastle, I think Bayern Munich will probably make it happen at some point, because I think it’s clear there’s a really good player there.

“Whether Matthias Jaissle is going to make a team that suits Woltemade, I think is a bit of a question mark over still.”