Sources: Newcastle agree terms with centre-forward after big new developments
Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and are confident he will sign for them next week ahead of Aston Villa, Football Insider understands.
The England international, 28, is a key target for both clubs, who have tabled bids in the last 24 hours.
Recruitment sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle are closing in on Wilson after tabling a £20million offer this morning.
The north-east giants have offered to pay the money in one lump sum to sweeten the deal for Bournemouth.
Villa had an offer of £15m rejected by Bournemouth on Friday as they look to strengthen their own attack ahead of the new season.
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Newcastle were in pole position to land Wilson ahead of Villa.
Newcastle had initially offered Matt Ritchie plus cash in a bid to land Wilson ahead of their top-flight rivals.
But their new bid is believed to be independent of Ritchie, which could now be a separate transfer.
Newcastle are keen to have Wilson on board ahead of the Premier League opening weekend as Steve Bruce looks to land a proven goal-getter in the top flight.
United’s need is particularly acute following Joelinton’s dismal debut campaign and the knee injury that has ruled Dwight Gayle out for three months.
Wilson has netted 41 times from 128 Premier League matches, including eight in 35 games last season as the Cherries went down.
He is keen to move straight back to the top division, just like his former teammates Aaron Ramsdale, who joined Sheffield United for £18.5million, and Nathan Ake, who signed for Man City for £41m.
In other news, Darren Bent claims star was “nailed on to join Liverpool” before Newcastle United pounced to agree terms of deal that’s all but done.