NICK WOLTEMADE was left in fits of laughter during his Newcastle press duties.
The big money summer signing – who arrived from Germany – was brought on board to replace Alexander Isak after his £125million British transfer record fee move to Liverpool.
The former Stuttgart hitman, who was snapped up for a club record £69m fee by Eddie Howe, returns to his homeland as the Toon come up against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
He’s been in England now for four months after his August arrival and, after being asked about his love life, he couldn’t help but laugh out loud before offering a coy response.
He explained: “I don’t know why everyone is talking about this.
“I think it is something normal when you come to a new country.
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“Of course, I’m alone so I ask my best friend, ‘Do you want to come with me to Newcastle?’ That is the only point I think.
“I don’t know how you call it in English, when you’re living together with your best friend? I guess a lot of people are doing this and I am just doing the same. But yeah everyone is talking about it.
Woltemade was then asked whether he’s met ‘anyone special’ on Tyneside and he couldn’t hold back his laughter as he replied: “No, I have a lot of games so I haven’t.”
Newcastle are on nine points after five outings as they get set for Matchday six in Germany.
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Victory would put them level with Premier League rivals Liverpool – who currently sit eighth – on 12 points as they look to finish in the top eight.
Finishing between ninth and 24th will mean the play-off round and adding to their tally on the road would go a long way to securing that.
Howe just wants to reach that next stage as he spoke ahead of facing the Bundesliga’s fourth placed side – trailing leaders Bayern Munich by 14 points after 13 games.
He said: “However we get through, the knockout phase is our target.
“It would be preferable to go through without a play-off, but the teams we have to face are in good form.
“I am relatively pleased with our Champions League performance.
“In the two defeats we have not come away with what we deserved.
“Bayer Leverkusen are an outstanding team, true to their identity, so this will be a tough game.
“Our main issue in recent weeks has been defending set plays, but that’s nothing we can’t fix.
“There are things that come up through the season you have to suddenly focus.”
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