'Deal Agreed': West Ham to sign 88-goal Premier League striker

West Ham have agreed a deal to sign former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson as a free agent following the player’s release from St James’ Park.

The experienced Premier League bagsman quit the North East side after five years this summer to search for more guaranteed playing time. The 33-year-old had struggled to oust the prolific Alexander Isak from the Newcastle United starting XI.

West Ham have been in the market for added firepower, having been a little goal shy last season. The Hammers had splurged £27 million on Borussia Dortmund man Niclas Fullkrug last summer but the Germany international has endured an injury-riddled start to life in London.

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson was brought in on loan in January but he failed to score during his short stint with the club. The forward has since returned to the AMEX Stadium and then headed to AS Roma on loan, ruling out any Hammers return.

West Ham agree deal to sign Callum Wilson

Wilson has been prolific against West Ham in the past, scoring 12 goals in 16 meetings with the club, but is now set to score for the Hammers. The club had been linked with a move for the player and Sky Sports report on Saturday that it is now a done deal.

An update on the Transfer Centre this afternoon read: “West Ham have agreed a deal to sign striker Callum Wilson. The 33-year-old, who left Newcastle on the expiry of his Magpies contract at the end of June, will sign a 1-year deal at the London Stadium. A formal announcement of the deal is expected soon.”

Wilson suffered with a back and hamstring problem last season, making just 18 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United. The striker was fit and in the matchday squad from February but started just two matches.

Ex Newcastle United striker determined to find regular minutes

Earlier this year, he told the High Performance Podcast: “I’m comfortable now. Financially, thankfully, I’m stable so that’s not an issue. I know I’m still able to provide for my family and put food on the table for them.

“I know my worth and I know my value and I’m still so hungry inside that even though I know Alex [Isak] is scoring goals, I’m still frustrated when the team sheet comes out and I’m not starting so I know I’m not ready to leave football yet.

“I’d love to leave football before football leaves me, I’d never let an injury stop me from playing - I think I’ve been fit now four-and-a-half months but I’ve probably only played 250 or 300 minutes and that side of things are frustrating because you don’t want to last few years on your career to fizzle away from you, especially when you’re worked so hard to get to that point. It’s all new for me at the moment but I’m just enjoying life, enjoying football and playing with a smile on my face. What’s meant to be will be.”

In other news, West Ham sign Aston Villa man, £15m goalkeeper and striker in starting XI if transfer rumours are true.