Newcastle United have been in talks to sign VfB Stuttgart star Bilal El Khannouss, as Nick Woltemade could be heading for the exit door.

On paper, Woltemade had a decent debut campaign with Newcastle, picking up eight goals and three assists in the Premier League, but the German played a lesser role as the season went on, often being limited to appearances off the bench.

The striker also remained an unused substitute in the Magpies opening game against Liverpool, which finished 2-2, and his time at St. James' Park could be coming to an end.

Former Leicester City man El Khannouss is the potential replacement, after the Moroccan put in some impressive performances during his first season with Stuttgart, chipping in with four goals and five assists in 25 Bundesliga matches.

The 22-year-old created 45 chances for the German side, which was the third-highest number in the squad, which is no surprise, considering Como scout Ben Mattinson, who supports Arsenal, has praised his ability to pick out his teammates in dangerous areas.

"I’ve said multiple times that I’d love El Khannouss if Leicester went down. Been a fan of him for a couple of years now and he has a lot of what we’re missing in midfield," Mattinson said.

"Killer final ball, both footed ball striker, free-kick taker, elite weight of pass, releases runners early."

The attacking midfielder didn't spend too long with Leicester, making 32 appearances during the 2024-25 season, in which the Foxes were relegated to the Championship, but he could now be in line to receive a second chance to prove himself in the top tier.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle have opened talks to sign El Khannouss, and they are ready to push to secure his signature, as they are looking to bring in a ‘number 10’ and a ‘number 7’ before the September 1st transfer deadline.

As such, the 43-cap Morocco international could join alongside Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with strengthening their attack now regarded as a priority for the Magpies.

The Magpies are also trying to offload Woltemade, and there is no shortage of interest in the German forward, with Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart all keen.

Matthias Jaissle has run the rule over the 24-year-old, and ultimately decided he doesn't want him to play in a central role, which means he could depart in the next few days, after just one year at St. James' Park.

Woltemade could be used as part of the negotiations for El Khannouss, as Stuttgart cannot afford to buy their former player outright, although a loan deal is also a possibility.