Sources: Newcastle in pole position to sign 41 PL-goal striker, top-flight star wants move
Newcastle United have edged ahead of Aston Villa in the race to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, Football Insider understands.
The England international, 28, is a key target for both clubs and has also had interest from Tottenham during this transfer widow.
Recruitment sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle have climbed to pole position to land Wilson today as the possibility of a swap deal involving Matt Ritchie is very much on the cards.
Newcastle have offered the versatile midfielder plus cash in a bid to land Wilson ahead of their top-flight rivals.
Significantly, Ritchie is keen on a move back to Bournemouth for personal reasons and this has helped give the north-east giants the edge in the race.
Newcastle are in the market for a proven striker following Joelinton's dismal debut campaign and the knee injury that has ruled Dwight Gayle out for three months.
Wilson has been on head coach Steve Bruce’s wish list throughout the summer as he attempts to add much-needed firepower to his squad.
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.