Callum Wilson looks to be on his way out of Newcastle United this summer as the former England international prepares to say goodbye to St James' Park after five years. The ex-Bournemouth striker is a free agent this summer after his deal with the Magpies expired.
The striker didn't play enough games to have a one-year extension activated by the club and Newcastle have decided against offering him an extension on the same terms. They have, however, began speaking to the player's representatives about a new appearance-led deal on reduced terms.
Wilson knows he's likely to fall even further down the pecking order next season with a new striker to accompany Alexander Isak being sought, and so is considering his options with the suggestion in the north east he's likely to move on. That has opened the door to a number of clubs, who sense an opportunity.
Leeds United, Birmingham City and Wrexham have all been linked with the former England international, who is now considering his next move as Newcastle and potential suitors wait on his decision.
### What has Callum Wilson said?
"You go from being first choice striker to then being second choice striker,” he told the High Performance Podcast.
“Every game there is not even a contest on who starts at the moment, and rightly so. In my absence over the last 18 months, Alex has just gone to another level which is fantastic for the team. It’s helped us improve so much.
“Then obviously my role changes and you have to put your pride and ego to the side, put the team first and know what the team needs in that moment. If I can’t be a big part on the pitch, what can you do off it? How can you help other players? How can you still be you without acting and being disappointed?
“It’s difficult, but I think I’m getting the balance right. I’ve gone through dips and all sorts of emotions, especially being out of contract in the summer. There’s a lot of emotions throughout this season that have been different challenges to face and new challenges that I’ve never faced before.”
### What has NUFC boss Eddie Howe said?
“Let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.
“What I can say is that Callum Wilson is, and has been, an incredible footballer for Newcastle. He’s someone who epitomises the spirit that has got us to where we are.
“He’s professional, brave – to come here and be the number nine in the manner and the moment he did, it was a difficult moment in the club’s history. The club needed hope – and Callum gave them hope. He dealt with the pressure and responsibility that role brings unbelievably well.
“He brings a positivity to the group, he’s a leader within the changing room, he’s just been incredible. Let’s wait and see what happens, but it was great to see him have that relationship with the supporters. There’s still so much respect there between the two.”
"The same people coming back to form the same squad is not healthy," Howe admitted while speaking more generally. "But that's always very difficult to do because you're always losing people that in some cases have given you absolutely everything in every moment, in every training session and every game. Some people who have done unbelievable things to help you achieve success.
"But sometimes the best thing for you and for them is to actually part ways. It's not necessarily a negative thing for either party. We're in that position where we need healthy change to the squad."
### What is Leeds' stance?
The Whites have neither confirmed or denied the club have made an approach to Wilson, with things very quiet at present at Elland Road. It's understood the interest is genuine and an approach to Wilson's representatives has been made, although no details are know at present on what a deal to Leeds could look like if the club wanted to take it further.
Leeds are exploring several options at present and as part of a rebuild for the Premier League, will be speaking to many players to gauge interest.
### Are Wrexham genuine rivals for his signature?
Hollywood-backed Wrexham have been linked with a move for Wilson. The Welsh side, co-owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were promoted from League One and are aiming to take the Championship by storm and reach the Premier League.
Former Newcastle midfielder Didi Hamman thinks Wilson and Wrexham could be a match made in heaven. He said: "Callum Wilson would absolutely be a great signing for Wrexham. Newcastle will probably improve their squad for next season and it will be even harder to get game time.
"For Wrexham, if they want to get promoted into the Premier League they will probably need to have a Premier League level squad given the quality of the teams at the top of the Championship.
"So they will be looking at Premier League players and we’ve seen teams do back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League in recent years, Wrexham could be a similar story.
"A player like Callum Wilson with that experience, he will be able to keep the level up in the Championship and teach the young lads, I could see that signing being a success."