'Time to go' - Newcastle United sent summer transfer warning amid contract talk

Only Alan Shearer and Alexander Isak sit ahead of him in the Premier League era for goals scored in black and white. But sometimes, because of the player’s recent struggles, it’s fair to say not enough respect is put on the player’s name.

Callum Wilson, Newcastle United’s No.9, is coming to the end of his contract, and looking at his statistics alone, when it comes to goals, would look daft not giving him a new deal. But, as we know, that only tells half of Wilson’s story at St James’ Park. Having missed far too many games to count or mention, Wilson, in his latter years with United, has brought about more questions than answers.

When the club has needed an able deputy to aid Isak, they’ve been found wanting a lot of the time, with Wilson stuck in the treatment room more often than he, Eddie Howe, or anyone associated with NUFC, would like. To that ends, it must also be stated - this is NOT his own fault. Sometimes, in football and life, things happen that are outside of your control. And in recent times, injury has really bitten with the player.

It’s not that he doesn’t want to play, he does. It’s just that his body doesn’t allow. Football, however, is a brutal sport when it comes to these things - and no matter your past or reputation, the exit door can easily be prised open for anyone, if they’re not adding suitable value to the first team.

Callum Wilson contract - what we know

Wilson, to all available knowledge, is close to ending his association with the Magpies, with his deal set to come to an end this summer. But what happens next? It’s not out of the realms of possibility that Wilson is handed new terms by loyal boss Howe, especially with increased European responsibilities on the horizon. Although, it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

Newcastle fans have been having their say on our Facebook page, when presented with the statement: “Callum Wilson’s time at NUFC is over”. Fans were then prompted to ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’. And here’s what they said.

What NUFC fans have said about Callum Wilson’s future

Paul Henderson: "Been great for a period but it’s painful watching now tbh."

Paul Holmes: "Lovely bloke, when fit he is impressive, but his body just can’t manage it now, need to get someone else in younger now."

Ben Davison: "His time was up when he got injured the first time. Be a good signing for a championship club, certainly past his prime."

Brett Surley: "Sad to say but it's end of the line."

Mark Athey: "Unfortunately his time is up on his career someone, possibly us, might give him a pay as you play contract."

Steven Otter: "Agree done well helped when it was needed he’s just to injury prone needs to move on."

Paul Hewitt: "If we are to progress he must go along with Targett, Lascelles etc."

Wayne Smith: "I think he’s time has passed it now get a replacement but he done us proud."

Ryan Clarkson: "It’s a shame if it’s true but let’s be honest Eddie has given him chances and he can’t score and refuses to pass the ball, this is a team sport yet he’s trying to be an individual just going off why I have seen the last few games he’s been back."

Mike Hudspeth: "Should've been replaced last summer."

Darren Upton: "Great guy and been amazing for the club but he needs to be playing every week….when fit! Wouldn’t object if he stayed tbh."

Thurston Lee: "Leave it up to Eddie tbh. Knows what he's doing."

Wes Spicer: "Time to go, frustrating though as he is likely to go on a run of games scoring when fit but those times are too few and far between. A dependable number 2 to Isak is a must."

Eddie Logan: "Yeah he will join someone else and play the best football and not be injured all the time."

Stevie Jen: "Give Isak number 9 and play Osula."

Garry Noble: "Great player but injury prone!"

Brandon Plank: "Disagree, Newcastle need a good striker backup in case Isak is injured."

Steven Stuart: "Good servant... when fit but the time is right to move him and others on and bring in players to get us to the next level..."

Antti Heino: "I think every time last many games when Wilson came pitch he is playing very poor, i think he gives everything but nothing happens."

Terry Barker: "Sorry to say but I must agree."

Norman Duddy: "Go with pride mate."

Stewart Oates: "Unfortunately yes good player but his body keeps letting him down."

Ross Morrison: "Great player just so unlucky with injuries. If we want to push on we need another number 9 or 2. We should keep him to make up numbers 1 year contract but need to buy a couple of strikers."

Julie Devine: "No. He should stay."