‘Top quality’… Callum Wilson says he wishes Newcastle had signed £42m player who is about to move

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Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is seemingly very jealous of what West Ham United are about to do.

The Magpies have been looking to sign a midfielder all month, and for a long time it looked like Kalvin Phillips would be the man to arrive.

He was interested in joining Eddie Howe’s side, but a deal could not be agreed with Manchester City. Their demands were too high, leading to Newcastle United cooling their interest in the 28-year-old.

That left the door for West Ham to swoop in, and they have now agreed to sign the England international on loan for the rest of the season. The deal also includes an option to buy Phillips in the summer.

It is a good bit of business for the Hammers, and Callum Wilson has now admitted that the £42million man would have been a welcome addition to the Toon squad this month.

Callum Wilson discusses Newcastle missing out on Kalvin Phillips

On the latest episode of the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson has delivered his verdict on West Ham closing in on a deal to sign Phillips on loan from Manchester City.

“Kalvin Phillips has joined yous,” he said.

“Top quality player and someone who would have been welcomed to our squad with open arms.”

Newcastle still need a midfielder as Phillips heads to West Ham

Wilson is very open in admitting that he would have liked to have seen Phillips sign for Newcastle United. That is a sentiment shared by a lot of Toon fans, at a time when the club are struggling to bring anyone in.

It does look like one signing is on the horizon, with a deal agreed for Manchester City 18-year-old Alfie Harrison. But he is one for the future – Newcastle need someone for the here and now.

The Magpies are massively light in the middle of the park, and a deal for Phillips seemed like it made a lot of sense.

But the finances did not work for Newcastle, at a time when profit and sustainability rules are hindering their ability to strengthen their squad. It has even led to claims that Howe needs to sell before he can buy, with Wilson himself linked with an exit.