Callum Wilson names the player who would have been a ‘great’ signing for Newcastle United

Callum Wilson believes Jesse Lingard would have been a “great addition” for Newcastle United during this summer’s transfer window.

Former England teammates Wilson and Lingard faced each other on Saturday as the Magpies host Nottingham Forest in their Premier League opener at St James’ Park

Lingard could have been lining up in Newcastle colours when Eddie Howe followed up on his January interest after his release from Manchester United.

Newcastle, however, were unwilling to meet his wage demands and the 29-year-old was soon snapped up by newly-promoted Forest, who beat West Ham United to his signature.

When asked about the Magpies’ interest in Lingard, Wilson, speaking on the BBC Footballer’s Football Podcast, admitted Lingard would have fitted in nicely on Tyneside.

“At the moment, there’s speculation of us signing everybody,” Wilson said. “Since the takeover, we’re linked with most players that become available.

“He would have been a great addition to our squad but I guess that’s probably for the hierarchy and Jesse’s people to have spoken and had them talks.

“I wish him all the best at Forest. I’m going to play against him on the first day of the season ironically so it’ll be good to catch up with him after the game.”