Newcastle United still have players to sell this summer, but a potential buyer in West Ham United might be taking their business elsewhere.
All the talk involving the Magpies and the Hammers right now concerns Jarrod Bowen. While he might be away with England at Euro 2024, that has not stopped him being linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle believe they can tempt Bowen to sign, although that will be extremely difficult. It is highly unlikely that the Hammers will want to sell, as they focus their efforts on strengthening their squad rather than weakening it.
West Ham’s next move after beating Newcastle to Max Kilman
West Ham have already beaten Newcastle to one player this summer. The Hammers have bought Max Kilman from Wolves, who is a player that Toon officials made a bid for last month.
But he will now play his football at the London Stadium, as new manager Julen Lopetegui looks to get off to a fast start in East London.
Next on the agenda for West Ham appears to be attacking reinforcements, and that is where Newcastle come into the conversation.
West Ham’s interest in Callum Wilson
It was reported earlier this summer that Callum Wilson is likely to leave Newcastle United ahead of the new season. He is entering the final year of his Toon contract, and the hierarchy believe it is time to sell Wilson.
On top of that, it has been reported that the 32-year-old is interested in a new challenge. What that new challenge could be remains to be seen, but Wilson is a player who has been linked with West Ham.
They are keen to sign a new striker ahead of next season, and would be getting a reliable goalscorer if they moved for the Toon number nine.
Geordie Boot Boys recently spoke to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey about West Ham’s interest in Wilson, and he suggested that it could be a difficult deal to do.
“Wilson’s future is slightly up in the air,” he said.
“He could end up staying in England or joining a club in Saudi Arabia. I still expect him to go, however.
“West Ham like him, but with his injury record and his wages, it’s going to be hard for an English club to pay a lot of money for him.”
West Ham looking elsewhere in a blow to Newcastle plan
While West Ham are fans of Wilson, it looks like they might be going in search of better value elsewhere.
That has led them to Aston Villa, with Sky Sports reporting that West Ham are interested in signing Jhon Duran.
They report that Lopetegui’s side are expected to make a move for the 20-year-old, who was also linked with Chelsea earlier this summer.
Duran, who scored eight goals last season, is 12 years younger than Wilson, and will provide much more longevity. He is a forward with a lot of potential, and has always looked dangerous in a Villa shirt. However, he is having to play second fiddle to Ollie Watkins.
A move to West Ham could make him the main man, while it could allow the Hammers to solve their striker problem for at least the next five years. In contrast, they might only get a season or two out of Wilson, and even that would be dependent on him staying fit.
West Ham appear to be looking elsewhere, in what is a blow to Newcastle. Ideally, the Magpies need to sell Wilson this summer, given his age and contract situation.
There is also the option of him going to Saudi Arabia, but it remains to be seen if the England international will be keen. I would assume that a move to West Ham would be more appealing, but that might no longer be an option.
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