Newcastle United have been dealt another setback in the club’s efforts to acquire Liverpool winger Harry Wilson, as The Sun understand Bournemouth star David Brooks faces surgery on the eve of the new Premier League season.
The Cherries had already moved ahead of the Magpies and Aston Villa in the race to sign Wilson, as Eddie Howe wants the Wales international at the Vitality Stadium to provide Brooks and Ryan Fraser with competition.
Losing Brooks to an ankle injury sustained in training may now expedite the South Coast side’s pursuit of Wilson, leaving United further on the back foot in the race to land the £25million forward.
Howe is believed to be a big fan of Wilson from what he demonstrated while on loan with Derby County last season, and feels the Liverpool product would have no issues adapting to the style of football displayed at Bournemouth.
Wilson’s age has also proven attractive for the Cherries, as they believe his value will only increase as his best years are still ahead of him – something that would usually appeal to Mike Ashley.
United and Villa are believed to have looked into signing the 22-year-old this summer, but are yet to make a move for the in-demand attacker attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund.
Many Magpies supporters are reluctant to see the club increase their efforts to acquire the 11-cap Wales international, though, with our alleged interest splitting the fanbase as some consider Wilson to be ‘overrated’ or a potentially ‘cracking’ addition.
Bournemouth are also fretting over the fitness of Dan Gosling, who faces three months out after dethatching a muscle from his hip, and summer signing Lloyd Kelly, after the £13million arrival from Bristol City damaged ligaments in his ankle.
Gosling should be back in training by the time we prepare to host the Cherries at St James’ Park in November, while it remains to be seen how long Kelly and Brooks are set to spend on the sidelines.
United beat Bournemouth 2-1 when Howe’s side travelled to Tyneside in November 2018 thanks to a Salomon Rondon brace, but required a 94th minute Matt Ritchie equaliser to save a point in the reverse fixture in March.