Newcastle boss Eddie Howe responds to talk of 18-goal forward leaving amid Chelsea interest

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has commented on the future of striker Callum Wilson as teams begin to circle for the forward.

HITC Football reported earlier in the week that West Ham United were keeping an eye on the Callum Wilson situation and were prepared to make an offer for the Newcastle United forward.

As well as this, Chelsea and Manchester United, who are both looking for short-term striker solutions are believed to have been offered the Englishman.

Due to Newcastle’s financial trouble, the 32-year-old forward, who netted 18 Premier League goals for the Geordies last season, could be available in the remaining days of this window for just £18 million.

Howe on Wilson future

Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s FA Cup match against Fulham at Craven Cottage, the Englishman gave his verdict on the striker’s future at St James’ Park.

“[Wilson] is 100 per cent committed to Newcastle,” Howe said, as per the Evening Standard. “We want two fit strikers and want to keep him, but obviously, some things are out of my control.

“It’s been a difficult window so far. It’s the first time since I’ve been manager that we’ve been linked with players leaving. That creates an unsettling dynamic.

“We want to keep our squad intact and keep our best players, but I’m also aware of the club side and FFP is affecting all clubs. We’re no different to any other club.”

The English forward has just 18-months remaining on his contract with the Geordie club but Newcastle already have the superb Alexander Isak as the frontman in the single-striker setup, which Howe prefers.

Where will Wilson end up

Despite Howe’s comments, you would suspect that a Premier League team will indeed come in for the English striker. Chelsea need a striker and have been linked to Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.

United, too, need a new centre-forward although their financial concerns mean that any deal would have to be a loan, even then that is looking unlikely.

This leaves the London clubs with Arsenal also potentially in the running for a forward as any move for Ivan Toney is looking unlikely. These clubs will have to get a move on, however, with time running out before the window slams shut.