Newcastle United 'target' makes bold transfer admission ahead of major contract decision

One of Newcastle United’s reported transfer targets has opened up on speculation linking him with a move away from his current club.

The Magpies remain keen to add a forward player to their squad during the January transfer window as Alexander Isak continues to carry the load when it comes to the main attacking role in Eddie Howe’s squad. The Sweden international was expected to have competition for a place in the starting lineup as fellow frontman Callum Wilson closed in on a return to fitness - but the former Bournemouth striker after Eddie Howe confirmed United were taking a cautious approach with his comeback ahead of Sunday’s defeat at Chelsea.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the United manager said: “We’re going to lose Callum for the next three games, definitely. He’s just had some tightness in his body. He hasn’t felt like he can kick on to that last part that he needed. He had trained with us and looked really good. But with Callum, we’re hypersensitive and he’s hypersensitive to things like this. It isn’t an injury but we need him back when he’s ready.”

Wilson is now likely to remain out of the action until Newcastle’s visit to Nottingham Forest on Sunday week - although there remain questions over the striker’s long-term future on Tyneside as he enters the final six months of his current deal in the new year. A number of clubs in the Premier League and Saudi Arabia Pro League are believed to be monitoring the situation as the Magpies face a major decision over one of only two natural strikers within their squad.

There were unsuccessful moves secure a frontman during the summer transfer window as an attempt to land long-term target Dominic Calvert-Lewin broke down. Much like Wilson, the Everton striker is out of contract at the end of the season and is believed to remain on Newcastle’s list of potential targets as they look to boost their options in the final third. The striker opened up on the transfer talk that dominated the summer over the weekend and stressed he remained focused on preparing for the season with Sean Dyche’s side.

Speaking to Everton’s match-day programme before the 1-1 draw against Fulham, Calvert-Lewin said on such rumours over his future: "Noise is noise - it's nothing I've not experienced before. You know, there's always going to be noise externally when it comes to football. It's part and parcel of the job and something you have to deal with as a player. For me, during the summer, I was on holiday with my family, relaxing.

“Obviously, as an Everton player preparing to go in for pre-season and preparing to be ready for the new season as an Everton player. I always try to look at things I can control and that's something I couldn't control in the summer. So, therefore, I just focused on relaxing, enjoying my time with my family and then getting myself in good condition to get ready to go for pre-season."