An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's pursuit of a new forward in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk has confirmed that the Magpies are plotting a swoop to sign Timo Werner as Dan Ashworth looks to improve the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: "TRUE Newcastle @NUFC is interested in @TimoWerner @ChelseaFC."

It has been reported that the Blues will be looking for a fee of around £33m to allow the Germany international to move on, although it remains to be seen how much the Toon are willing to pay for him this summer.

He can axe Chris Wood

By snapping up a deal to sign the Chelsea attacker, Newcastle can axe their New Zealand international flop from the team.

The Magpies signed Wood from Burnley in January and he struggled badly as he registered just one goal from open play - two in total - and zero assists in 17 Premier League matches for the club in the second half of the campaign.

Werner's team-mate Kai Havertz once dubbed him “unpredictable”, and his record in England suggests he could be an exciting player for the fans to watch.

Since making the move to Stamford Bridge, the 26-year-old has scored 23 goals and set up 21 in 89 appearances in all competitions, playing out wide and up front. He joined the Blues after racking up an eye-catching 93 goals and 40 assists in 158 matches for RB Leipzig in Germany.

His record in the Champions League for Chelsea is particularly impressive. The attacker has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 17 outings, winning the competition in his first campaign with the club. This came after he managed seven goals and two assists in 14 appearances for Leipzig at that level.

Werner has also scored 24 goals in 53 caps for Germany at international level, showcasing his quality and versatility on the domestic and continental stages.

Therefore, he would be a big upgrade on Wood at the top end of the pitch, and bringing him to St James' Park would allow Eddie Howe to axe the former Burnley man.

Based on their respective statistics, the Chelsea star would offer far more in terms of both goals and assists, chipping in himself whilst consistently creating chances for those around him.

It is now down to Ashworth to pull off this deal and improve Howe's squad before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

AND in other news, In talks: NUFC make "contact" for "extraordinary" £25m target, he can be Howe's Zidane...