EDDIE HOWE will push hard in an attempt to keep Callum Wilson at Newcastle United this summer.

Wilson’s future has been the subject of considerable debate in the last few months, with the 32-year-old having entered the final 12 months of his current contract at St James’ Park.

A number of clubs in the Saudi Arabian Pro League have a long-standing interest in the striker, with West Ham also having been linked with a possible move.

Financially, it would make sense for Newcastle to cash in on Wilson this summer rather than potentially losing him for nothing as a free agent in 12 months’ time.

However, despite the England international’s injury issues, Howe still regards him as one of the leading forwards in the Premier League and does not want to lose him ahead of the new campaign.

Wilson scored ten goals in 26 appearances in all competitions last season, an impressive return given his lack of game time, but one that would almost certainly have been improved had a succession of muscular injuries not kept him on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, Howe values the veteran’s proven track record in the Premier League and is keen to retain him alongside Alexander Isak in his attacking ranks next term.

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Having sold Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh last month in order to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, there is no financial compulsion for Newcastle to sell anyone else this summer.

Howe has held introductory meetings with Newcastle’s new sporting director, Paul Mitchell, and will continue to be heavily involved in the recruitment process as part of the Magpies’ new-look executive model.

He will spell out his desire to retain Wilson when more detailed transfer discussions take place in the next few days, with the striker’s future likely to be one of the key topics for debate.

Speaking at the end of last season, Howe said: “Of course, I want him (Wilson) at the club next season. I’ll do everything I can to make that happen. Write him off at your peril for sure because he comes back time and time again. I’ve managed him for a very long time now and, mentality wise, I wouldn’t swap him.”

Having already recruited Lloyd Kelly, Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy this summer, Newcastle’s remaining key priorities are a right-sided attacker and a right-sided centre-half. While there is a chance another striker could be added to the squad, retaining Wilson would almost certainly mean the Magpies do not spend big on a new forward. As things stand, that would be Howe’s preferred option.

Wilson is part of the Newcastle squad that have travelled to Germany for a training camp at Adidas’ global headquarters at Herzogenaurach, and heads into pre-season having completely recovered from the injury issues that plagued him last season.

He posted a message to social media earlier this week saying it was “good to be back”, and is set to be involved when Newcastle play their first pre-season game at Hull a week on Saturday.