In the wake of Callum Wilson’s latest injury, Newcastle United could be about to suffer a double transfer blow.
Callum Wilson is currently out of action with a back injury, which has resulted in Newcastle United stepping up their search for a new striker.
It is a real blow for Eddie Howe, who could now be without his number nine for the Premier League opener against Southampton on August 17th. And it also casts a fresh light on how desperate Newcastle are to sign a new striker.
The Magpies need a reliable deputy to Alexander Isak, and Wilson has proven that he is not up to the task. It is a huge shame, as there is no denying his quality in front of goal. However, you cannot score if you are not fit enough to be on the pitch.
Newcastle United linked with Jhon Duran
That is why Newcastle are looking at possible striker signings, and they appear to have identified a potential recruit. However, there is already a major problem.
That is according to the Daily Mirror’s James Nursey, who has reported that Newcastle are one of the clubs interested in Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran. While that is exciting, he adds that Duran is ready to tell his current employer that he actually wants to sign for West Ham this summer.
Nursey wrote on X: “Expecting Jhon Duran to this week tell #AVFC he wants to move to #WHUFC. Villa asking for £40m. Hammers getting close after 3 bids. Chelsea and Newcastle also interested in striker but Duran wants to play for fellow Spanish speaker Lopetegui who can offer first team football.”
West Ham to deliver Newcastle a double transfer blow
At 20-years-old, Duran is the right age for Newcastle United. They need someone young who can grow and develop on Tyneside.
But Duran is already at such a level that he could have an immediate impact at St James’ Park. He has been impressive for Aston Villa, scoring eight goals in all competitions last season. That came as understudy to Ollie Watkins, with Duran only starting 10 games in total.
However, it looks like West Ham are going to win the race to land Duran. They are going to be able to offer him regular Premier League minutes, which he is not getting at Aston Villa and possibly would not get at Newcastle.
He would arrive as backup to Isak, whereas it looks like the Hammers want to make him their leading striker.
That is why they are in pole position, in what is a double blow for Newcastle. Firstly, it means the Magpies will need to identify another striker. Secondly, it means West Ham are probably not going to make a move for Callum Wilson.
The 32-year-old has been linked with the Hammers, but he does not appear to be their preferred target.
It is going to be hard to replace Wilson, and it is also going to be hard to move him on. This reported interest in Duran sadly proves both.
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