Callum Wilson is high on West Ham’s wanted list ahead of the summer transfer market according to sources close to the London Stadium club.
The current no.9 at Newcastle United will see his current deal expire at the end of the current campaign but the Magpies have the option of triggering an extra year if they please. That idea has been entertained by head coach Eddie Howe but a big decision will have to be made by the club’s football board for that to be granted.
Wilson has featured in just 249 minutes of action in all competitions this season after back and hamstring injuries held him back. His only goal so far this season is a strike against Birmingham City in the FA Cup last month.
West Ham made an enquiry about Wilson last summer but the striker remained on Tyneside. The Hammers are set to release ex-Liverpool striker Danny Ings this summer and will clear £120,000 off their wage bill.
It means they could afford to offer Wilson a contract in the months ahead with one of the Newcastle star’s representatives Will Salthouse having a good rapport with West Ham owner David Sullivan. Sources at West Ham indicated that a deal for Wilson may well be on the agenda at the end of the season if Newcastle choose against extending the ex-Bournemouth star’s current deal.
When asked if there was a chance Wilson’s contract will get renewed, Howe said: “Yeah, absolutely there is. I can’t write the future. I can’t predict what’s going to happen. I’d never write Callum Wilson off.
“Without a doubt for me. If he can stay fit he’s an outstanding centre forward. He’s got the experience that we would need in that position, the know how of how we play, the pace, the strength, goalscorer, so yeah, we wouldn’t have been able to recruit anyone close to his level I don’t believe in this window who would have been ready to play.
“The key thing is trying to keep his fit. That’s what Callum wants, that’s what we want, and fingers crossed we can make it happen.”
A new deal for Wilson at Newcastle could cost up to £5million a year in wages. Wilson last signed enhanced contract terms with Newcastle in autumn 2023.
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