West Ham close to announcing deal for 'incredible' player with 238 Premier League appearances

West Ham are said to be closing in on a deal for a reliable Premier League striker. The Hammers need to strengthen significantly this summer as they look get back towards the top half of the table after a hugely disappointing campaign of last.

Graham Potter struggled in his opening months in charge, and he goes into the new season needing to get off to a good start to win over supporters - and likely the board.

The good news for Potter is that he will get the chance to put his own stamp on his squad this summer, and he and the Iron’s recruitment staff have already made a start. A striker could be the most important piece of business the Hammers do this summer, with Potter needing an alternative to Niclas Fullkrug, who will be hoping for better luck with injuries in his second season at the club.

According to TalkSport, West Ham are now closing in on a deal for Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson, who has struggled for regular football behind superstar Alexander Isak, who also looks likely to leave St James’ Park this summer. It’s unclear how much West ham will pay, but it has been reported elsewhere this summer that Newcastle are asking for less than £10million for the 33-year-old’s signature.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a big fan of Wilson’s, saying just a couple of months ago: “He's been incredible and I feel that his performance was right up there with one of the best I've seen him play, purely from a tactical perspective. He has to lead the press and the one we bounce off initially. He kept going right until the end and his goalscoring record is excellent. I'm delighted for him, he's a huge player for us and a big presence in the dressing room."

He added in a separate address: “He is certainly in great form. He is very focused at the moment. He knows he has to be because of the competition he has around him. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that he has always been himself – bubbly, bright, laughing, joking, a really positive character. He is someone that the squad needs to be positive, because he is such a big personality within it.

“That has helped him when he has come on the pitch and delivered for us. I’m delighted for him, personally, because he can react two ways to that challenge laid down to him – and he has responded how I hoped he would.”

As for Wilson, he admitted it was difficult to play less next season, but he was well aware it was difficult for Howe to drop Isak, who is one of the best strikers in the world. Wilson told the Newcastle club website last season: “I have no doubt for myself, when I play I can score goals. It’s just getting on the pitch, it’s just limited game time. Alex (Isak) has been fantastic, so it’s just hard to get back in the team. It’s difficult but you’ve got to take what you can.”

Wilson has made 238 Premier League appearances during his career, scoring 88 times.

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