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Five Newcastle United stars follow £85m target on Instagram as Borussia Dortmund dangle transfer carrot Newcastle United must pay a club-record fee to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha. Eagle-eyed Newcastle United fans have noticed that several of the first team are now following Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha. Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw were to be expected due to their international connection. However, Joe Willock, Aladji Bamba and Will Osula also follow Nmecha on Instagram. The 25-year-old is a player the Magpies shortlisted ahead of the summer transfer window. Toon chiefs have built a strong German contingent on Tyneside, with new manager Matthias Jaissle spearheading the St James’ Park rebuild. The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel. Newcastle United transfer focus A seasoned operator, Nmecha fits the profile that the Magpies are looking for to replace Bruno Guimaraes. It is understood that the Magpies want an experienced operator to succeed the Brazilian in the engine room. Until now, Newcastle have adopted a youthful strategy, with four of their five summer recruits aged 20 or under. Nmecha’s price tag - which would be a club-record fee - cooled United’s interest earlier in the summer. Newcastle have funds to spend but remain wary of financial pressures further down the line. That is not to suggest the Magpies are not active in the market. Pierre-Emile Hjobjerg snubbed an approach to join on Monday and, as well as a midfielder, Newcastle aim to sign a versatile full-back and another winger. Borussia Dortmund chief speaks out Speaking to local outlet RN last week, Dortmund chief Nils-Ole Book dangled a big-money carrot to Newcastle. He said: “I would consider that (a transfer) highly unlikely. “Of course, there can theoretically always be astronomical sums, but in Felix’s case, I can pretty safely rule it out this summer.” A social media sign? Newcastle fans have quickly noted how several first-team stars are already following Nmecha. Former Toon star Elliot Anderson - now at Manchester City - is also keeping tabs on the midfielder. It remains to be seen whether the Magpies will stump up the cash needed to sign the Dortmund ace. He would dislodge his compatriot, Woltemade, as Newcastle’s club-record arrival. Your next Newcastle United read: 'Really tough' - Yoane Wissa gives emotional interview as Newcastle United relish £55m 'new signing'