Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes Newcastle United 'might be willing' to take a chance on Chelsea frontman Timo Werner this summer. 

The lowdown: Magpies' interested

Signed for £47.6million following months of speculation suggesting a switch to Liverpool was on the cards, Werner has failed to live up to expectations in London, scoring 23 times in 89 appearances for the Blues.

Such is the plight of the misfiring forward, the Magpies were initially linked with a move for the 26-year-old Germany international back in December 2021, with a connection being made between Fabian Schar and the former RB Leipzig ace, who share the same agency.

Werner currently remains in situ at Stamford Bridge and has more recently been indexed with a potential return to Leipzig, although one pundit has suggested that Newcastle could take a chance before the window closes...

The verdict: 'Might be willing'

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Leeds United man and former BBC Radio show host Whelan has claimed that the Tynesiders 'might be willing' to offer the 53-cap star a Premier League lifeline.

He said: “It’s not been a smooth ride for him at Chelsea. It hasn’t been what we expected, and he certainly hasn’t lived up to the massive hype.

“He was scoring goals for fun, but came to the Premier League and really struggled. If he wants to stay in England then he has to brush up his game. He gets caught offside an awful lot, even though he’s got the blistering pace.

“He needs a bit more common sense, and a bit more of a clinical nature in front of goal. If he can do that, then Newcastle could have a player on their hands. Newcastle might be willing to take that chance because they know there is a player in there.

“He’s got all the attributes to be a great player, it’s just the end product which is really baffling at times.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Albeit inconsistency has reigned supreme for Werner in the Premier League, the German showcased his proficiency in his homeland when boasting 130 direct goal involvements from just 156 appearances for Leipzig, illustrating that there is clearly a top player waiting to be unleashed in the speedster.

Already linked to a number of centre-forwards in this summer's transfer window - including fellow Chelsea sensation Armando Broja - it's clear to see that Newcastle are keen to bolster the firepower available in the North East.

Last season, the man who shares similar stylistic traits to renowned names such as Robert Lewandowski, Diogo Jota and Ciro Immobile (Fbref), scored 11 times and provided six assists in 37 outings across all competitions.

Valued at £31.5million (Transfermarkt) and earning an eye-watering £268,000-per-week in wages (Salary Sport), the Toon club would undoubtedly be looking to achieve a cut-price deal both in terms of the fee and salary.

Despite the lofty figures, with the ability to play on either wing and as a central striker, Werner would be an excellent addition to Eddie Howe's squad at St James' Park and as such, Dan Ashworth and the ever-willing PIF should be desperate to make this deal happen.