Man Utd's shock loan interest in Woltemade is smarter than it looks

Manchester United are being linked with a surprise move for Nick Woltemade, and the idea carries more weight than the initial reaction might suggest. The Germany forward joined Newcastle last summer in a club-record deal. He made a fast start, but his form faded and he ended up spending increasing stretches on the bench after losing manager Eddie Howe's trust. By the end of his first season on Tyneside, the 24-year-old was already being discussed as a possible departure. Newcastle's summer has been difficult. No new striker has arrived despite Yoane Wissa's own struggles, while Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have been sold and Howe has resigned. Reports now say Woltemade has been told he can leave on loan before Deadline Day, even though the same outlet previously claimed Newcastle wanted a permanent sale - and broadcaster Germany has insisted the player expects to stay. Man Utd and Liverpool are named as clubs tracking the situation, though neither is said to be making him a priority. According to SciSports, United would actually be Woltemade's best landing spot with a Club Fit rating of 77. One caveat is his fit in Michael Carrick's current system, but the 45-year-old is now in permanent charge and likely to adjust his approach. With Juventus pushing to sign Joshua Zirkzee, Woltemade could be a direct alternative. He can operate as a No.9 or No.10, giving United different options to Benjamin Sesko and Bruno Fernandes. A loan with an option to buy would be a low-risk way to add depth before a Champions League return - and still a major surprise if he ends up at Old Trafford before 1 September.