Leeds United transfer target Callum Wilson has candidly discussed his situation at Newcastle United as he approaches the final stretch of his contract with the Magpies. The 33-year-old striker hasn't hit the required number of appearances to trigger an automatic one-year extension, leaving it up to the club's hierarchy to decide if he'll increase his tally of 129 games in the iconic black and white kit.
Despite being overshadowed by teammate Alexander Isak and grappling with injuries, Wilson has maintained his fitness since his comeback from a hamstring injury in February. Although he hasn't scored in 17 Premier League matches this term, he expressed his continued passion for playing at St James' Park.
On the High Performance Podcast, Wilson opened up about his future, saying: "I'm comfortable now. Financially, thankfully, I'm stable so that's not an issue. I know I'm still able to provide for my family and put food on the table for them."
He added: "I know my worth and I know my value and I'm still so hungry inside that even though I know Alex is scoring goals, I'm still frustrated when the team sheet comes out and I'm not starting so I know I'm not ready to leave football yet.
"I'd love to leave football before football leaves me, I'd never let an injury stop me from playing - I think I've been fit now four-and-a-half months but I've probably only played 250 or 300 minutes and that side of things are frustrating because you don't want to last few years on your career to fizzle away from you, especially when you're worked so hard to get to that point.", reports Chronicle Live.
"It's all new for me at the moment but I'm just enjoying life, enjoying football and playing with a smile on my face. What's meant to be will be."
The Whites have emerged as a possible destination for Wilson as question marks remain over his future. With Daniel Farke at the helm, United are on the lookout for talent like Sean Longstaff to secure their Premier League status for the forthcoming campaign.
Wilson featured as a starter for Newcastle in their recent loss against Arsenal due to Isak's absence, but despite this, emerging talent William Osula is yet to grab a frequent starting spot.
Howe shed light on Wilson's condition last month, noting: "I think physically, I see the Callum Wilson of old. So good signs for him. And he has stayed fit for a long period of time, which has been brilliant to see.
"And I think that on his long-term future, let's wait and see. Let's wait and see how he performs and how he continues to look."
Get Leeds United news to your phone with our WhatsApp community
Want the inside track on transfers? There's now a way you can get breaking news and the best reads sent straight to your device. By joining the Leeds United community on WhatsApp, you'll see the biggest and best stories as soon as they happen.
It's quick and easy to join. Just click this link and select 'Join Community' to get started.
No one else in the community will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the Leeds Live sports team. We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. You can read our Privacy Notice here.