Nick Woltemade becomes a target for Atletico Madrid - Report

Eddie Howe has already spoken about his desire to keep hold of Nick Woltemade, but the Newcastle United boss may not get his wish yet.

It's been a difficult season for Nick Woltemade, his first in England. He arrived with great promise and showed that promise early on, scoring four goals in his first five games for the Toon.

However, the goals dried up, and the enthusiasm for the young German striker waned. Fans could see flashes of brilliance in his game, but his performances overall were lacking, and it eventually led to the £69 million signing dropping to the bench.

That's also led to some tough questions for Eddie Howe over Woltemade's future, but the gaffer has insisted that he still wants the 24-year-old at the club and expects that with a good pre-season behind him, we'll see the best of him next season.

Atletico Madrid eyeing Nick Woltemade?

Meanwhile, Woltemade keeps being linked with an exit from St James' Park, with moves back to Germany often mooted; however, a new report suggests that Spain could be his next destination.

German outlet Bild (via Caught Offside) claims that Woltemade is unhappy and Atletico Madrid could be ready to rescue the forward from his Newcastle nightmare.

Bild reporting Woltemade's unhappiness is nothing new, as they've been peddling that story for a while now, but Eddie Howe insists that there's no big problem with the striker, while admitting he's obviously frustrated at the lack of time on the pitch.

We're not buying it

We just don't see Newcastle taking a big hit on Nick Woltemade after just one season. If someone were to come in and offer a lot of money that would see the Magpies recoup the lion's share of what they forked out last year, then yes, maybe there's a deal to be done there.

However, we don't see anyone doing that, and we agree with Eddie Howe that a good pre-season could transform Woltemade for the next campaign. Especially if he can regain some confidence during the World Cup.

Much like when there were persistent rumours about Sandro Tonali emanating from Italy, we're taking any claims about Woltemade's future coming from Germany with a hefty pinch of salt.