Chelsea and Manchester United transfer move in doubt as '100%' Newcastle United claim made

Eddie Howe says "there is nothing in" the speculation linking Callum Wilson with a move away from Newcastle United.

The Magpies' No.9 is one of several players whose future has been under the spotlight recently with the likes of AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United credited with an interest.

But Howe has been scratching his head at where the rumours have come from after insisting the England international is "100% committed" to Newcastle - just like teammate Kieran Trippier, who Bayern Munich offered £13million for last week.

“I’ve had those conversations with Callum," said Howe when speaking to the media ahead of Tuesday's Premier League trip to Aston Villa. "He is 100% committed just like Kieran [Trippier] is. That’s why I’m surprised by the noise around Callum really.

"He’s currently injured, we’ve got one fit striker and he is our second striker and we are desperate to get him back. From his and our perspective, there is nothing in that (him leaving)."

Howe previously said it "doesn't make sense" to offload Wilson this month with only Alexander Isak for back-up, however didn't completely rule out a sale, which he says would be out of his control.

He said on Friday: "That’s been a strange one really because there’s been a lot of speculation regarding Callum and I’ve seen some of it, probably not all of it but a lot of it, I think, has been unfounded.

"From our side, Callum is a huge part of what we’re doing. We’re desperate to get both our strikers fit at the same time which we haven’t had for a long time now and that’s hurt us in a lot of different ways.

"He’s nearing fitness, nearing a return. He’s looked good, not trained with us yet but he’s getting there and there is no part of me that wants to lose Callum. 

"I want to keep him here but obviously some things are out of my control and of course the club is acting with the long-term interest of the club. It has to, I understand that and I’m fully supportive of it. Let’s see what happens.”

Miguel Almiron is another player whose future is slightly uncertain ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline. The Paraguayan has attracted strong interest from the Saudi Pro League.