Everton have joined Leeds United in the race to sign Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson – but The Whites remain confident of doing a deal, even with Everton interested.
After just three Premier League starts this season, it was widely expected that Newcastle would allow 33-year-old Callum Wilson to leave on a free transfer when his £110k-a-week contract expired this summer.
With the nine-time England international available for nothing, Leeds have shown interest in Wilson on a free. He was emotional after the full-time whistle on Sunday, Wilson crying as he walked off the pitch.
But, Newcastle are choosing to offer Wilson a new deal – instead of exercising the 12-month extension clause in his contract. They want to offer him a reduced wage, but with an incentive-based approach.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Why Leeds are confident of tempting Wilson ahead of Everton
Everton beat Newcastle on Tyneside in the final game of the season and now it appears The Toffees are also keen on Wilson. The Sun say that David Moyes wants to lure Wilson to Everton in the near future.
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
That of course, is if Wilson does choose to turn down Newcastle’s approach of a new contract – which would see Wilson remain second-choice to Alex Isak. At Everton, Wilson would be back-up to Beto.
But at Leeds, Wilson is in with a shot of starting as the club’s first-choice forward and that is why Leeds are hopeful of convincing the former Bournemouth star to choose Leeds, over Newcastle and Everton.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Leeds may have to sign two strikers in the coming months
At the moment, wanting a new striker is based around the need for a proven Premier League goalscorer. Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph have never played in the top flight, and Patrick Bamford is injury-prone.
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But Leeds could also require additions up top because two of those three could leave. Real Betis are set to return with another offer for Joseph after tomorrow’s Europa Conference League final against Chelsea.
Bamford’s future remains a doubt with his contract due to end in 2026, though Wrexham have ruled out a move. Bamford could still leave and that means Daniel Farke would require not one, but two new strikers.