Newcastle scouts spotted eyeing £15m defender who pocketed Nick Woltemade

To shift their focus towards the transfer market, Newcastle United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch a star defender who has kept Nick Woltmad quiet.

Ross Wilson is ‘delighted’ to be at Newcastle

It has been an important international break for the Magpies. Not only have the likes of Woltemade and Anthony Gordon been performing admirably for their countries, but those returning to St James’ Park have also made an interesting move to recruit Ross Wilson from Nottingham Forest.

He follows sporting director Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell in the role, and will hope to help guide the Magpies into a more structured transfer window when January arrives.

The big question is when he will be able to make his mark. While Newcastle spent big in the summer to welcome the likes of Woltimade and Anthony Elanga, it was more of a late shopping spree than a detailed plan – something Wilson must look to change.

With European fixtures balanced with domestic action these days, extra reinforcements wouldn’t be a bad idea, and Newcastle scouts have already been spotted watching a potential defensive addition.

Newcastle send scouts to watch Charlie Cresswell

As reported by Graeme Bailey of The Boot Room, Newcastle scouts have now been spotted monitoring Charlie Cresswell ahead of a potential move in January. The £15m England Under-21 international has built on last season’s form to enjoy another strong start for Toulouse in Ligue 1, and has now found himself on the radar of several Premier League clubs.

Described by Under-23s scout Antonio Mango as “solid”, Cresswell particularly impressed at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in the summer, even bagging a particular goal against Germany in the final.

As England won 3-2, Woltemade failed to create a single chance and failed to complete any of his dribbles. Meanwhile, Cresswell made 14 defensive contributions and was not dribbled out once. It was a tremendous performance from the former Leeds United player.

With Fabian Schar and Dan Byrne both 33 years old, signing the Toulouse defender in a deal worth just £15m could quickly turn into an eventual transfer for those at St James’ Park.