Journalist Chris Waugh has claimed that an opportunity may arise for Newcastle United to pick up Timo Werner on loan later in the transfer window.
German media outlet Bild reporter Christian Falk has revealed that the Magpies are interested in the Chelsea forward as they look to bolster their attacking ranks this summer.
The 26-year-old would help fill the roles of a wide forward and central striker that the Toon are thought to still be searching for.
Werner has seemingly fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge, making just 15 top-flight starts last term, and given the arrival of Raheem Sterling in west London, his playing time could be further restricted, which won’t be ideal for his chances of making the Germany side for the upcoming World Cup.
Now, Waugh has claimed that a deal between the Blues and Newcastle could yet be arranged – but it will depend on how the coming weeks play out.
Speaking on Pod on the Tyne, he said:
“With quite a few players, the likes of Werner and others at Chelsea and elsewhere, Newcastle have sort of made it clear that if their situation changes, if they become available for a loan later in the window and if potentially some of their pay-packet could be picked up by Chelsea – because Newcastle would not pay all of Werner’s wages – then maybe later in the window, that would be the sort of player they’ll be interested in.
“Someone who has Premier League experience, might not quite have worked out at Chelsea, but that Newcastle have tracked long-term and could come in. So that’s maybe one to watch late in the window depending on both Newcastle’s and Chelsea’s business in the coming weeks.”
TIF Thoughts on Werner and Newcastle…
Would Werner be a good signing?
Yes
No
Only two Newcastle players earn £100k per week, meaning it is likely that if Werner was to make the switch to St James’ Park, he would become the club’s highest earner.
He currently makes a reported £268k per week in west London, so even if Chelsea were willing to pay half his wages, he would still be taking home a considerably higher amount than Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier at the top of the Toon wage bill.
However, it could certainly prove to be a fantastic addition and arguably of a higher quality than Eddie Howe currently has at his disposal.
The English manager would be hoping to rekindle the form the 53-cap ace showed at RB Leipzig, which saw him earn his move to the Premier League.
He was involved in 133 goals in 158 appearances for Die Roten Bullen, and perhaps a move would be beneficial for both parties with Qatar on the player’s mind.