Callum Wilson reveals transfer deadline day surprise and the signing he wished Newcastle made

Callum Wilson has admitted that Newcastle United 'needed' to sign another striker in the January transfer window but the injured number nine has backed Chris Wood to fire the Magpies to safety.

Newcastle have only scored six goals in 10 games in all competitions since a thrilling 3-3 draw against Brentford in Eddie Howe's first match in charge back in November.

Aside from Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin, who have scored nearly half of Newcastle's goals, only Jonjo Shelvey has found the back of the net on more than one occasion this season.

Although Newcastle had already spent £25m on Burnley striker Chris Wood, perhaps, then, it was not a surprise that the Magpies attempted to resurrect moves for Stade Reims wonderkid Hugo Ekitike and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard on deadline day.

Neither of those deals ultimately came off but Wilson, who is sidelined with a calf injury, certainly has faith in Wood to step up.

"I was looking forward to the club bringing in another striker as well as Chris Wood," Wilson told the Footballer's Football podcast.

"I think we needed one more as well. Unfortunately, we didn't get that in the attacking area but I back Woody from now until the end of the season and also back myself so when I do get fit and we end up playing together and helping the team, it's all about the team at the end of the day. All we want is that.

"When we're getting strikers in the door and when you're hearing about strikers, I just think it's only going to benefit the team in a positive way so the more the merrier.

"Bring the competition in the door because it is nice and it does push you. It does take you to that next level and I think it brings out the best in you."

Wilson was originally ruled out for