Juventus have marked Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade as an unexpected target in the closing phase of the summer transfer window. The Bianconeri are reworking their attack and could move for the Germany youth international as they seek to strengthen their forward options under the club’s new project in Turin.

Bianconeri join the race for Newcastle star

Juventus are stepping up plans to rebuild their frontline, with Woltemade now emerging as a genuine option for the Italian heavyweights, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Turin club is bracing for possible changes in attack, particularly with Jonathan David attracting interest from Atletico Madrid. If David completes a switch to the Spanish capital, the Bianconeri want to replace him with a new addition, and the 24-year-old German striker is understood to be high on their shortlist. The proposed move for the Magpies forward is believed to be a loan with an option to buy, in line with the club’s recent preference for low-risk, high-reward deals. Juventus have already made contact with Newcastle to discuss a temporary move that would include a fee of 5 million euros.

Dortmund offer serious competition

Juventus are not the only major European club following the former Werder Bremen player. Borussia Dortmund have also shown interest as they try to address an unexpected injury problem in their attacking unit. The Bundesliga side were pushed back into the market after a major setback involving one of their recent signings. As per Bild, Dortmund may look to add to their attack after confirmation that Giannis Konstantelias has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury. That has left Dortmund lacking depth, and a return to Germany for Woltemade could appeal to everyone involved.

Dortmund sporting director Ole Book has a long-standing connection with the striker, having previously overseen his progress during a successful loan spell at Elversberg. That earlier relationship could hand the German club an advantage in negotiations, especially as Dortmund would prefer a loan deal because of their current financial limitations.

The chase for Zirkzee goes on

Although Woltemade is an important target, he is not the only big name Juventus are pursuing. The club are still heavily involved in discussions with Manchester United over a possible move for Joshua Zirkzee. The Netherlands striker, who built his reputation in Serie A with Bologna, is viewed as an ideal match for the tactical setup being introduced at the Allianz Stadium. Juventus are reported to have tabled an opening proposal worth around 2.5 million euros as a loan fee, along with the right to buy the player next summer for 30 million euros.

Landing Zirkzee remains the main objective for the Juventus leadership, but any move for Woltemade is being seen as complementary business rather than a straight alternative. The club are determined not to leave themselves short in numbers, especially with the extra demands of European competition this season.

Final hours of the transfer window

The picture is still changing as Newcastle themselves are expected to remain active in the market before Tuesday’s deadline. The Premier League side have made it clear they will only allow Woltemade to leave if they are able to bring in a replacement. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle has been careful in his comments about the player’s possible exit, stressing that the squad remains the priority during a hectic period.

“I’m not a coach who takes part in these rumours you’re creating in the media. Nick is part of the squad and we have a strong squad, definitely. But you also know that we still want to be active in the transfer market. We still have a couple of days left,” Jaissle said.