Newcastle told to replace seven-goal star in January as Eddie Howe sent transfer warning

Ex-Newcastle star Nobby Solano believes that his former side must sign a striker in the January transfer window due to Callum Wilson’s injury history. The Magpies are expected to splash the cash next month, though it is unclear whether reinforcements are a priority for Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle have made a fairly strong start to the season, winning nine of their opening 18 Premier League matches and emerged with credit despite their numerous injury problems leaving Howe with a depleted squad to work with.

Fringe players have stepped up in the absence of sidelined stalwarts, though the January transfer window comes at the right time for the club. The St James’ Park outfit are keen to bolster their ranks for the second half of the campaign, with their exit from the Champions League meaning that European football is not secured for next season.

Sandro Tonali’s ban means that signing a midfielder has quickly become a priority in Tyneside, with a goalkeeper also discussed following Nick Pope’s shoulder injury. However, ex-Newcastle playmaker Solano believes that his former side should be scouring the market for another striker.

Speaking exclusively to Express Sport with Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I and TNT Sports, he explained: “You see the squad, unfortunately, they have a few injuries. I would think Newcastle need to be a little bit stronger in the squad, with more experienced players, more quality, more players on the bench.

“Like with Manchester City, when Manchester City faces all these competitions, it is no problem to play on a Tuesday – six, seven same players starting then the rest come in that can play in the Premier League and can play in the Champions League.

“I will say, unfortunately, the (Callum) Wilson history, the injuries, you have to be aware of. I believe Eddie has to be aware. You’ve got to buy another striker and another winger in case (Miguel) Almiron is not there, left side or right side. Another extra midfielder as they lost Tonali too.”

Wilson has scored seven and assisted one in 13 league appearances for the Toon Army so far this season, though links with Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy would suggest that the England international is not irreplaceable in the eyes of Howe. Manchester United and West Ham are also among the Bundesliga star’s admirers, with his £15million release clause meaning that numerous Premier League sides have him in their sights.