NEWCASTLE are reportedly ready to test Chelsea’s resolve with a move for Timo Werner.
German newspaper Bild claims the Magpies are ‘in regular contact’ with the striker’s agent as they prepare to splash the cash in January.
Newcastle became the wealthiest club in the world following a £300million takeover led by Amanda Staveley, husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi and the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
A wide range of stars have been linked with big-money moves this winter – with Toon currently embroiled in a relegation battle.
But report in Werner’s homeland suggest the former Leipzig man might be top of the new owners’ wishlist.
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea in a £48million deal in June 2020 but failed to set the world alight in the Premier League – netting just six times in his debut season.
That led to the Blues splashing a club-record £97.5m on Romelu Lukaku this summer to lead their line instead.
And Newcastle chiefs may hope Werner could be tempted to come and be their new main man instead.
It is thought Staveley, who is a Newcastle board member, is looking to make use of her contacts in the sport with Werner sharing the same representatives as current Toon defender Fabian Schar.
Werner has undergone a revival this term with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel including Werner and Lukaku in his starting line-up against Southampton last weekend.
And the Germany star netted in the Prem leader’s 3-1 win against the Saints.
The club are also thought to be keen on Man United stars Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk