Callum Wilson’s injury could result in Newcastle United stepping up their reported interest in Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz.
According to the Telegraph, following the calf injury Wilson sustained in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United, the Magpies have reportedly had to ‘alter their transfer plans’ to include the signing of a new striker, in the January transfer window.
It is claimed that defensive reinforcements remain the priority but with the club’s star striker facing a spell on the sidelines, the signing of a striker has allegedly become a ‘pressing need’ for Eddie Howe.
With Wilson facing up to six weeks out ahead of a crucial run of fixtures, Newcastle could crank up their interest in Brereton, who cannot stop scoring.
His goal against Barnsley last night took his tally for the season to 20 goals from 24 games, only Aleksandar Mitrovic (22) has scored more in the Championship.
Eurosport reported last month that the Magpies are interested in signing the Chilean, but face stiff competition from Leeds United and Southampton among other clubs.
La Liga giants Sevilla, Brighton and Burnley were amongst the clubs credited with an interest in Brereton.
According to the Sun, it could take a fee in the region of £25m to prize Brereton away from promotion chasing Blackburn.
Rovers will take up the one-year contract extension option on Brereton Diaz and they are also trying again to agree a new long-term deal with the Chile international.
But if the Lancashire side have named their price for Ben Brereton Diaz and with Newcastle’s need suddenly becoming that much greater, PIF may be left no choice but to splash out one of the most in-form strikers around.
Brereton would be moving from a side chasing promotion to the Premier League, to a side battling for survival.
But the 22-year-old could become an instant Geordie hero if he leads the Magpies’ survival charge, in the absence of Wilson.
Many of the interested clubs will be put off by the price tag, but Newcastle’s new-found wealth could and should see them steal a march on the chasing pack.
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