Newcastle striker faces shock exit as Bayern Munich plot cut-price raid

Nick Woltemade has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Bayern Munich, with Newcastle United reportedly prepared to sanction a £40m exit just one year after his big-money arrival.

The Magpies are understood to be willing to cut their losses on the 22-year-old forward following a dramatic dip in form on Tyneside.

Despite arriving from Stuttgart for a substantial £69m fee last summer, the striker has struggled to consistently deliver at the highest level expected in the Premier League.

Howe’s patience wears thin

Eddie Howe’s diminishing faith in the summer recruit became evident during recent high-profile clashes against Tottenham and Liverpool.

The Newcastle boss opted to deploy winger Anthony Gordon in a central role rather than trust his recognised centre-forwards to lead the line.

This tactical shift suggests the German international has fallen significantly down the pecking order at St James’ Park.

Even the arrival of Yoane Wissa has failed to spark the necessary competition to revive the former Stuttgart man’s fortunes.

Bayern reignite long-term interest

The Bundesliga champions are understood to be monitoring the situation closely, having originally missed out on the forward during the previous transfer window.

The Bavarian giants could now capitalise on Newcastle’s willingness to sell, albeit at a significantly reduced price point.

A fee in the region of £40m is being touted, representing a stark £29m loss for the Premier League club within a single calendar year.

A struggling frontline

While the attacker was once dubbed "unstoppable" by European scouts, his output in England has stalled alarmingly since the festive period.

He has found the net seven times in the Premier League but has endured a barren spell in front of goal stretching back to 20 December.

The failure to adequately replace the prolific output of Alexander Isak has left the club’s hierarchy contemplating a swift and ruthless summer reshuffle.