Newcastle tipped to seal ‘massive’ striker deal after ‘huge’ Wilson update – pundit
Callum Wilson’s injury may have “twisted the arm” of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe in the January transfer market, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted signing a new striker is of “massive” importance after the 29-year-old’s setback.
As revealed by Football Insider injury expert Ben Dinnery on Thursday (30 December), Wilson could be out for at as long as four months if he suffered an Achilles injury during the draw against Man United on Monday.
The Telegraph reported on 29 December that the Magpies have now stepped up their attempts to sign a new striker in the January window.
Whelan insisted a forward has now joined centre-back as a transfer priority for Newcastle this month.
“That’s probably twisted the arm of Eddie Howe to seal a massive striker signing,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“When you’ve got the front three fit and firing, you probably would’ve put centre-half as the priority position. It’s still important, but this has just added to the shopping list at Newcastle.
“They need to go out and get an out-and-out centre-forward, one through the middle.
“Wilson could be out until February. You can’t wait until then if you’re Newcastle, you have to go out and get a proper striker instead of struggling with what you have.
“Go out and bolster that front line, and look elsewhere. There’s a lot of business that needs to be done.
“Wilson being out is a huge blow for Newcastle, because when he comes back from injury you can see straight away, he’s right into the goals. It’s massive.”
Wilson has scored six goals in 15 Premier League appearances for Newcastle this term.
The Magpies sit 19th in the table.
In other news, pundit predicts Newcastle ‘pushing the boat out’ to complete signing of Premier League star.