Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson replacement after poaching Matheus Cunha and closing in on Bryan Mbeumo.
It was an emotional exit for the 33-year-old, who was a shining light during dark times on Tyneside.
Callum Wilson was signed by Steve Bruce in 2020 and was one of the key reasons why Newcastle United were able to stay in the Premier League during his managerial stint. The striker showed the best of his abilities under Eddie Howe during the 2022/23 Premier League season, scoring 18 goals to push the Magpies into the top four and return to the Champions League.
Newcastle players paid tribute to Wilson after he confirmed his exit from the club. Anthony Gordon thanked him for his contributions and words of wisdom, while Alan Shearer wished Wilson well at his next club.
Work is now underway to replace Wilson, with it being confirmed that Newcastle are prioritising a new striker to give Alexander Isak more competition next season. One player who was named as a target was Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The 29-year-old was in and out of Unai Emery’s starting XI last season, so he could look for a new venture this summer.
However, a new transfer report has stated that Newcastle now have competition for Watkins from Manchester United, having already missed out on key targets to them.
Ollie Watkins celebrates after scoring in a Premier League game between Fulham and Aston Villa.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Man United challenging Newcastle for Ollie Watkins
After a dismal season which saw them fail to qualify for Europe, Manchester United are in the process of a rebuild under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils’ head coach has told several players not to return to pre-season training and find a move elsewhere this summer.
Man United have already signed Matheus Cunha and look poised to bring in Bryan Mbeumo, but that has not stopped Amorim from looking at other Premier League clubs.
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According to CaughtOffside, Man United have made Watkins a ‘key target’ this summer, with Amorim keen to add more experience to this side.
The report also states that Man United realise they must sell Rasmus Hojlund before a deal can be done.
A source in the report said: “Amorim wants to reshape the squad by focusing on players with Premier League experience. Watkins is at the heart of this vision, along with names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim’s target is clear: Ready-made stars who will contribute immediately.”
Ollie Watkins costs far too much for Newcastle United
There is no doubt that Watkins is a terrific player who still has a lot to give in his career. The England star scored 16 Premier League goals last season, putting him seventh in the top scorers list.
Watkins joining Newcastle would certainly be an exciting move which fans would welcome with open arms, but there will naturally be concern over his price tag. Reports have suggested Watkins could cost as much as £60million this summer, a bigger fee than Newcastle are paying for Anthony Elanga, who is six years younger.
A transfer fee so big is a large gamble for a player of Watkins’ age, and there is no guarantee he will be a regular starter in Newcastle’s first-team squad.
The Magpies are ideally looking for backup at striker, with Isak the undisputed first choice in the position. It may be a case that Newcastle look for someone of a similar age who has similar experience, but comes at a much smaller price tag.
Newcastle were linked with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa this summer, but the Bees are still looking for at least £50m for him.