Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were handed a boost in their pursuit of Callum Wilson following Newcastle boss Eddie Howe's recent comments.
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Wilson may head out of NewcastleMan Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea on high alertHowe hinted at a possible exitGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Howe was grilled on Friday with several questions regarding the Magpies' transfer business before the winter window is slammed shut on February 1. While the manager mentioned that some of those rumours had little substance, he did admit that Wilson could potentially head out of St. James' Park – with several Premier League giants vying for his services.
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Speaking to reporters, Howe said: "It's been a strange one. A lot of speculation and a lot of it is unfounded. From our side, he's a huge part of what we do. We're desperate to get our two strikers fit again. He [Wilson] is nearing a return and looks good. He's getting there. There's no part of me that wants to lose him. In every conversation, he's 100 per cent committed. No part of him is looking elsewhere. He's got big ambitions and we want to keep him here. But some things are out of our control. The club is acting with the long-term interests of the club and they have to. Let's see what happens."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Another prominent figure in the Newcastle set-up, Kieran Trippier, has been intensely linked with a move to Bayern Munich. But Howe insists that the defender is going nowhere and will be a part of the team for a long time, adding: "A few things to say on Kieran's situation. We hope he will stay and we're very confident he will be part of our long-term future. But I have to make it clear he has never asked to leave or even questioned his future here. We've had conversations in the last week and it's always been about Newcastle. It's important I make that clear. His commitment to Newcastle shouldn't be questioned.
"I don't think so [been a difficult week]. It's a huge compliment that a club like Bayern are interested. For us, to be sat here now, I want to keep all our best players. To contemplate losing a player at this stage would be very difficult for me personally, especially our best players. His situation is finished. I've been in football long enough to never say 100 per cent. I don't want to look stupid but he's 100 per cent committed."
DID YOU KNOW?
Miguel Almiron is also being linked with a move away from St. James' Park and Howe insisted that he will do what it takes to keep him at Newcastle. He explained: "Very similar [to Trippier]. A lot of noise and speculation around his future. I'm desperate to keep him. He's been an integral part since I came to the club. His contribution has been immense. There has been a lot of noise and it comes from somewhere but hopefully, we can keep him."