Newcastle United have told Eddie Howe the club will likely have to shop in foreign markets to seal a striker transfer following Callum Wilson’s injury, according to The Northern Echo.
The Magpies have refocused their plans for the January sales after Wilson sustained a calf issue against Manchester United. He developed the gripe during the first-half of Monday’s 1-1 draw at St James’ Park and is currently being assessed.
But United fear Wilson will miss months rather than weeks as a result of his problem. The 29-year-old will be a big miss as he is the talisman on Tyneside with six goals in 15 Premier League outings this season. Only Allan Saint-Maximin (4) has also scored more than one.
Prior to Wilson’s injury, Howe intended to strengthen his Newcastle side with transfers for new defenders in January. Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier could also be the first to join under their Saudi-led owners as soon as next week with talks at an advanced stage.
Howe also remains extremely interested in reuniting with his former Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake. The Dutchman has only held a backup role at Manchester City this term.
Newcastle issue Howe transfer stance as Toon eye striker deal after Wilson injury
But Wilson’s injury scare has forced Newcastle and Howe to reshuffle their plans to include a striker transfer next month. Yet the club also accept it will be ‘all-but-impossible’ to add a proven Premier League forward in the mid-season market.
Howe wanted Newcastle to focus on players with extensive experience for his first window in charge. But he will likely have to sign a proven striker from a European league instead.
Newcastle may also favour loan-to-buy transfers to bring a striker to St James’ next month. Any such options to purchase would likely be dependent on securing top-flight survival.
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