Newcastle United have been presented something of an obstacle in their pursuit of Callum Wilson’s replacement as West Ham are also targeting a new striker.
Wilson’s time on Tyneside looks to be almost over with the attacker now set to be out for three months having required surgery on his pectoral tendon and a contract that will run out in 2025.
One of the names Newcastle wanted as a possible replacement in January was Dominic Solanke, but a new report from The Telegraph says West Ham are also looking to sign the Bournemouth star.
West Ham look to upset Newcastle’s summer plans
Newcastle cannot afford to spend another season relying on both Wilson and Alexander Isak who have proven to be quite injury prone and, for most of the season, at least one of them has been out of the team.
A replacement striker is absolutely key in the summer and Solanke is believed to be the ideal candidate for due to his Premier League experience and relationship with Eddie Howe.
The £19m signing currently has now score 14 goals in 24 games, three of those coming against the Magpies, with three assists to go along with it in what’s been a very impressive season.
Newcastle identified Solanke as a target in January though didn’t have the funds to make a move so a deal in the summer was far more likely, but now West Ham believe the 26-year-old could be the answer to their striking problems.
Newcastle could still do better than Solanke
As impressive as his numbers are, Solanke is not exactly blowing people away wit his performances in the top flight, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to get an England call-up any time soon.
Perhaps you won’t get much better than that for a backup striker who will only be starting if Isak was missing or needed a rest, but there are still more impressive options out there.
Solanke’s performance against Newcastle at the weekend, for example, left a lot to be desires as, although he grabbed a goal from Martin Dubravka’s slip, he missed two clear chances and his overall game lacked something special.
It may be Howe’s first choice given their previous relationship so could be a high priority in the summer, but it depends on how much Newcastle would have to pay and how serious West Ham’s interest is.
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