Newcastle tipped to sign ‘brilliant’ Wilson partner in January after Echo update – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed “smashing player” Divock Origi could strike up a “formidable” partnership with Callum Wilson at Newcastle.
The former Leeds hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old would be a “brilliant signing” for the Magpies.
As reported by the Northern Echo last week (23 November), Origi has been identified as an attacking target at Newcastle ahead of the winter window opening on 1 January.
However, the report claims Liverpool are reluctant to allow the Belgium international to leave mid-season.
Newcastle remain winless in the Premier League following their 1-1 home draw against Norwich yesterday (30 November).
Whelan insisted the former Lille striker could achieve “something special” at St James’ Park.
“He’s a smashing player, I’ve liked him ever since he went to Liverpool,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He can play all the way across that front line: right, left and through the middle. Great touch for a big guy as well.
“Most importantly, he knows where the goal is. If they’re looking down that route, he would be a brilliant signing for them.
“Origi needs that run in the side where he can forge something special. He can be Newcastle’s player, strike up that connection with Wilson. What a formidable strike force that would be.
“However, they still have that problem at centre-half and conceding far too many goals at the other end.”
Newcastle sit bottom of the Premier League and are already six points from safety.
Origi has scored three goals in 291 minutes of football this season.
In other news, some Newcastle United stars will be left ‘annoyed’ by Howe’s training HQ ban.