'Will cost' - Newcastle United weigh up 46-goal striker decision as fresh FFP/ PSR claim made

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has warned it will “cost the club a lot of money” to replace Callum Wilson, should they decide to cash in on the England striker this summer.

The 32-year-old - who joined from AFC Bournemouth for £20million in 2020 - is facing an uncertain future. Considering his age and contract, which is due to expire in just over one years time, the summer is the Magpies’ last opportunity to bring in some decent money for him.

Wilson has struggled with injuries throughout his four years at St James’ Park, leading to calls by some for him to be sold. But the No.9, when fit, is also a prolific goal scorer with 46 goals in 104 appearances for Newcastle.

And Howe has warned that replacing the latter doesn’t come cheaply as the Magpies prepare for a summer transfer window dictated by Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) once again.

“It's undoubted how I feel about Callum, how I feel about his qualities and what he can offer the team,” said Howe. “If you lose a player of that quality, to then find a player of equal standard will cost the club a lot of money. That's always the big talking point about any business we do in the summer.

“If you lose a player, how can you replace him with the same quality with Financial Fair Play implications around the corner? There's a lot to think about."

Wilson is set to return to the matchday for Wednesday’s Premier League clash away to Crystal Palace after two months out with a pectoral muscle injury. There are six games of the campaign remaining.

Howe said: “I think every player has a point to prove every time they pull the Newcastle shirt on. I don’t think Callum necessarily has a point to prove in terms of his ability and what he can deliver, that’s undoubted. We would like him to stay fit for a prolonged period of time and to be able to execute that on a consistent basis.

“So, there is sort of a double edged meaning to my answer. I want every player to have that burning desire every single game to fulfill their own ambitions and certainly Callum has very big ambitions still. He’s still a very strong player and he can make a big difference for us.” Howe expects Wilson to hit the ground running as he looks to stake a late claim to be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships in Germany.

“He’s trained very well this week, it’s been really good to have him back, the energy and quality he brings,” said Howe. “He’s trained really well. He’s been able to, during the period he’s been out, to focus on his legs, running and fitness so he’s come back looking really good.

“Of course, it was a bicep problem so we anticipate he’ll hopefully be able to hit the ground running and make a difference for us. 

“ He’s a player that wants to get into those duels and is very strong, that is one of his best strengths. Getting confident in those situations has been a big thing for him that’s why this week has been so good.”