When Newcastle United top goalscorer Callum Wilson could return

The Magpies reignited their interest in Reims forward Hugo Ekitike on Monday morning but were unable to convince the 19-year-old to make the switch to the Premier League.

Further interest in the likes of Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata and Benfica’s Uruguayan star Darwin Nunez failed to materialise.

With top goalscorer Callum Wilson currently recovering from an injury and Dwight Gayle out of favour, January signing Wood will spend the next month as the Magpies only out-and-out striker.

Wilson suffered a serious calf injury during the first-half of the 1-1 home draw against Manchester United last month and is currently working his way back to full fitness.

Speaking earlier this month, Magpies boss Eddie Howe confirmed the severity of the injury, saying: “He (Wilson) had a scan yesterday because there was a slight doubt in the first scan as we had to let it heal a bit further.

“We think he is going to be out for eight weeks.”

Wilson travelled with the rest of the first-team squad to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp last week but is still over a month away from a return to fitness.

The former Bournemouth and Coventry City striker is set to miss key fixtures against Everton, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Brentford - but could be return in time to feature in the St James Park clash against Brighton on Saturday, March 5.