Callum Wilson has pledged to make a late run into England’s Euros squad - but his club future after the summer is uncertain.
The Newcastle striker is looking powerful and sharp and he has targeted being at his last major tournament. Wilson has scored two goals in two games - 10 this season - after returning from an unusual pectoral muscle injury that meant he could still work on his speed and fitness.
Gareth Southgate watched him, and Anthony Gordon, tear apart Burnley on Saturday, with Toon boss Eddie Howe saying Wilson is a “monster” when he has a target in mind. Wilson is the closest thing Newcastle have to a modern day Alan Shearer. He guarantees goals when fit, is physical and has a swagger in the penalty box.
But there is a major dilemma for the Toon this summer, as Wilson approaches the last year of his contract. Deal or no deal? He is a saleable asset that will bank a helpful profit to ease financial limits. But replacing Wilson will be expensive, and a risk. Asked whether he will still be at the club beyond the summer, Wilson, understandably, couldn’t give a definitive answer.
He’d certainly like to stay and play in Europe again next season. But he may also want the guarantee of an extended deal. And he will have high level suitors. Atletico Madrid and AC Milan were interested in January, and the No9 may be tempted to a fresh adventure.
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Eddie Howe knows where he stands. “Of course I want him at the club next season. I will do everything I can to make that happen,” said Howe.
Wilson said outside the team bus at Turf Moor: “The future? Finish the next four games. My first thought is finish the season strong and then try to get myself into the tournament in the summer, and then, I am contracted to Newcastle still so will be back in pre-season." Asked if there was an element of doubt, he replied: “Nah, nah, I guess, say what you want to say. Yeah.”
It is the sort of tough problem the club owners have to resolve as Howe reshapes his squad. But Wilson is on a mission to maintain the Toon’s top six position and get to Germany.
Wilson played at the World Cup in Qatar (The FA via Getty Images)He said: “Of course it is on my mind. I have to be playing at Newcastle and the rest takes care of itself. I heard after the game Gareth Southgate was here, and obviously watching as many English players as he can. All you can do is perform when you are given an opportunity.
“Most players have played 50-60 games and to my disappointment I haven’t but that can only benefit me going into the summer if I get in the squad, fantastic. If not, I will continue my fitness work anyway and won’t waste what I have been working on.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t have my eye on the last four games and trying to make an impression. That is all you can do. There are players who have had fantastic seasons this year who are English and strikers. It gives the manager an extra dilemma and person to choose from. I got an assist in the World Cup. Representing your country is what dreams are made of and it is the pinnacle. I think, yeah, realistically it is my last major tournament. I will be 34 for the next one. Who knows, it is fantastic to represent your country.”
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