Newcastle United are apparently interested in bringing Timo Werner back from his ordeal at Chelsea.
Werner joined the Blues for £53 million from RB Leipzig two years ago but has struggled to find his place in the Blues attack, first under Frank Lampard and now under current manager Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel even paid £98 million for Romeo Lukaku last year after losing faith in the Germany international as his No. 1 striker, but despite the Belgian also failing and returning to Inter Milan on loan, Werner remains out of favor at Stamford Bridge.
According to the German newspaper Bild, Newcastle are considering giving the 26-year-old a second shot in the Premier League, despite interest from his former team.
Werner’s future is even more uncertain now that Raheem Sterling has joined Manchester City, and he admits he may be ‘happy elsewhere.’
When asked if clear-the-air conversations were necessary, he replied last week, ‘It is difficult to say.’
‘First and foremost, the most essential thing is that I be content. I enjoy playing and scoring goals. That is a fact. That’s what I should focus on, and the rest will follow.’
When asked if he might find happiness at Chelsea, he retorted fiercely, ‘I could be happy anywhere.’ Werner, who has 53 caps for his native Germany, was anticipated to perform admirably.
Tuchel reacted angrily to Werner’s comments, suggesting that he should be pleased with playing for the Blues.
‘I’m astonished; as a young man, I’d be thrilled to have a contract with Chelsea Football Club.’ ‘I’d be one of the happiest guys on the earth,’ he remarked following Chelsea’s pre-season penalty shootout loss to Charlotte last Wednesday.
‘He needs to receive some playing time.’ He must demonstrate quality, take your place, and protect your position.’ A contract with Chelsea would make me one of the happiest individuals on the earth. I’m not sure why he said it.’
However, the Blues’ possible loss might be a significant gain for Newcastle, with manager Eddie Howe eager to improve his assault for next season.
Callum Wilson led the Premier League in goals with eight last season, but there was little firepower elsewhere in attack, with January addition Chris Wood scoring only twice in 17 appearances.