- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
West Ham are interested in striking a January deal for Newcastle’s £18 million-rated striker Callum Wilson as the England international is offered to Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United.
After Magpies boss Eddie Howe went public with Newcastle’s Financial Fair Play concerns earlier in the month, The Magpies appear to have ramped up their attempts to free up some much-needed transfer funds.
HITC Football understands that Miguel Almiron could join Allan Saint-Maximin in Saudi Arabia. Newcastle also held discussions with Bayern Munich over Kieran Trippier, before the Bundesliga champions walked away due to the right-back’s £20 million asking price.
We have now been informed that Callum Wilson – the club’s top scorer during last season’s successful Champions League charge – could now also be available for a potential bargain fee of £18 million amid interest from West Ham.
West Ham eye Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
Newcastle recently turned down a loan bid from Atletico Madrid. But if they are to receive a big-money, up front offer – Wilson has also been offered to Chelsea and Manchester United – then the North East giants could seize the opportunity to cash in on a striker who, while still an excellent source of goals, is due to turn 32 in February and possesses a worrying injury record.
While Danny Ings impressed on a rare start during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Sheffield United, West Ham remain keen on a new number nine. David Moyes’ side have been linked with Aston Villa benchwarmer Jhon Duran, while HITC have been told that there is interest in Chelsea’s Armando Broja and AZ Alkmaar talisman Vangelis Pavlidis.
Wilson, however, would bring an almost guarantee of goals to the London Stadium. The nine-time England international hit the target 18 times for Newcastle in 2022/23, and has eight from 20 appearances this term.
Hammers close in on Kalvin Phillips deal
“You could argue that Newcastle have got two of the best finishers in the league (in Wilson and Alexander Isak),” Liverpool icon Michael Owen told Premier League Productions recently.
“Whenever I see them close in on goal, I think ‘that’s a goal’.
“Of course there’s (Erling) Haaland. He’d be right up there as well. But there’s not many that jump out off the page to me when I think all round classy finishers, than the two Newcastle lads.”
West Ham are set to sign Wilson’s fellow Three Lions ace Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City.
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