Newcastle's transfer plan hints at 'outstanding goalscorer' Eddie Howe wants to lead the line

Newcastle United already have a number nine who, in the words of Eddie Howe, is an 'outstanding goalscorer at this level'. It begs the question, then: can Callum Wilson stay fit?

Wilson is certainly doing his bit. The striker has been working most days during the summer and even plans to move his family up from the South Coast to ensure he is spending his days off doing recovery sessions at the training ground rather than travelling hundreds of miles each week.

Wilson is desperate to hit the ground running and the 30-year-old's dream of making a late push for the World Cup will work in Newcastle's favour at a time when England are crying out for something a little different in reserve. The Three Lions, after all, scored just one goal in four Nations League games last month and that was a penalty from Harry Kane.

Kane has, unsurprisingly, led England's goalscoring charts since the Euros last summer, but the only other strikers to have found the back of the net for Gareth Southgate's side in that time are Tammy Abraham (two) and Ollie Watkins (one). If Wilson can fly out of the blocks in the coming months, well, that will at least give Southgate something to think about.

Southgate already knows Wilson well, after handing him his England debut nearly four years ago, but the former Bournemouth man has not played for his country since 2019. It will require an almighty effort to get back into contention, but Wilson will relish that challenge at a time when Southgate will be a more regular presence at St James' Park as he keeps an eye on Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope.

Pope, of course, is one of a number of signings Newcastle have already made this summer after Howe strengthened his defensive and goalkeeping departments. While