West Ham hold talks to sign Newcastle United star in recent twist

West Ham United have “discussed” the prospect of signing Callum Wilson from Newcastle United in January, according to Ben Jacobs.

Speaking on the NUFC Matters podcast (10 December), the journalist said that both Leicester and the Hammers are exploring a potential January deal for Wilson, but the latter’s interest is “up in the air”.

The Irons spent £27million to sign Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, but with Julen Lopetegui still under heavy scrutiny at the London Stadium, the club could yet look elsewhere.

Jacobs said: “I do know that West Ham and Leicester have discussed Callum Wilson.

“I think West Ham’s up in the air because of the future of Julen Lopetegui and they have already brought one slightly older striker in Niclas Fullkrug.”

Callum Wilson transfer wouldn’t go down well at West Ham United

While Wilson is a proven goalscorer at this level having netted 88 Premier League goals combined with Bournemouth and Newcastle, the England international is now 32 years old.

Adding Wilson to the current Hammers squad would give them four strikers on the wrong side of 30, having shelled out a significant amount to sign 31-year-old Fullkrug despite several younger alternatives.

Michail Antonio’s car accident on 7 December is set to rule the Jamaica international out for over a year, and despite the two being close friends, adding Wilson as a replacement would be a poor move.

Wilson managed just 20 appearances amid an injury-hit 2023/24 season, and while he still scored nine times, being restricted to just four this term suggests that he’s a player firmly on the way down.

Regardless of whether Lopetegui remains in a job or not – having staved off the sack with a 2-1 win over Wolves – the Irons need a striker, but turning to Wilson would not answer many of their attacking issues.