The 'monster' Eddie Howe wants to keep at Newcastle United — out-of-contract in 2025

Eddie Howe says “he’ll do everything he can” to keep Callum Wilson at Newcastle United next season.

Wilson was named in the starting XI for the first time since February against Burnley and opened the scoring as the Magpies won 4-1. The 32-year-old also netted in last weekend’s 5-1 victory at home to Sheffield United, taking his goal tally to 10 for the campaign.

Recent goals have taken Wilson to second in Newcastle’s all-time Premier League goalscorer list behind Alan Shearer. But how much longer Wilson remains at St James’ Park is uncertain.

Wilson was the subject of transfer interest in January and is out-of-contract in 2025 Howe, however, is determined to keep the player next season.

“Of course, I want him at the club next season, I'll do everything I can to make that happen,” said Howe. “Write him off at your peril for sure because he comes back time and time again. He's a very motivated player and wants to do his very best at every moment.

“I've managed him for a very long time now and mentality wise I wouldn't swap him. He's a monster, he's got a focus and when he's got a goal he'll go for it.”

The victory versus the Clarets saw Newcastle move back up to sixth in the Premier League table with three games remaining.

A top seven finish should be enough to secure European qualification but United face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United.

“We were determined to try and give our all to finish as high as possible,” said Howe. “Since 10 games, we’ve tried to reset our targets and since the international break we’ve seen an improvement in our general performances.  We need to keep that going for the last three games.

“We knew today was going to be difficult and highlighted really by the first 10 minutes. We knew Burnley would come out firing and that the crowd would play a part in that so really pleased with the reaction to that first 10 minutes. And then from the first goal onwards, I thought it was a really good display from us. I thought confidence and strength is gradually returning to the group so it was a really good day for us.”