When West Ham United reportedly missed out on Callum Wilson to Newcastle United, many supporters were furious.
Club chief lifts lid on price for West Ham target and explains why he may have to sell
So when Newcastle’s £20million new boy scored in a 2-0 win over West Ham on the opening day of the season, tempers were frayed.
West Ham had long been linked with the former Bournemouth striker, who had a penchant for scoring against them.
The likes of The Sun reported West Ham wanted to bring both Wilson and fellow Newcastle signing Ryan Fraser to east London last summer.
West Ham were heavily linked with Wilson but ‘missed out’ to Newcastle
That after ex Cherries boss Eddie Howe had confirmed West Ham had a previous bid for Wilson rejected as far back as 2016 (Evening Standard).
West Ham boss David Moyes needed a striker in the summer, even before selling Sebastien Haller.
So when Wilson went to Newcastle for a relative bargain fee, some Hammers fans were not happy.
Ten goals in 21 games for the struggling Magpies proves it was good business.
Although Wilson’s persistent injury problems have reared their ugly head again with the striker ruled out for two months as Newcastle battle relegation.
But it appears a move to West Ham was in fact never on the cards for Wilson.
£20m striker finally puts West Ham talk to bed, claims only Newcastle and Villa were seriously in for him
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports this week, Wilson revealed only Aston Villa and his current employers showed any serious interest in him.
And it finally lays to rest talk that West Ham missed out on – or were beaten to – the forward by Newcastle, talk that seems to become more prevalent on social media whenever Michail Antonio gets injured.
“For me, having the opportunity to go back to the Premier League again, I was so grateful for that,” Wilson told the Sky Sports Super 6 podcast.
“On the same day Newcastle was agreed, Aston Villa was agreed as well.
“It is a tricky one. I spoke with both managers (and) I wanted to have the opportunity to go and see both clubs. Similar to how I did it with Norwich and Bournemouth. I broke down the pros and cons of both clubs on a sheet of paper, similar to how I make my big decisions.
“I looked at squads, I looked at everything. Nobody could have predicted how Aston Villa’s season was going to go, nobody could have predicted how Newcastle’s has gone so far.
High-flying Hammers could have done with Wilson but he must make do with Newcastle struggles instead
“For me, when Newcastle came around, there is such history of the club, as an iconic club, the number nine – I keep in touch with Alan Shearer from time to time, so there is a connection there.
“I thought I could go up there, prove to everyone at such a big club who Callum Wilson is. For me, that was what I was relishing.”
With Wilson out injured, Newcastle are in disarray.
Steve Bruce’s side sit just one place and three points above the relegation zone.
Meanwhile West Ham are enjoying their best season for 35 years and are fourth, right in the mix for the European spots.
That’s not to say the Hammers couldn’t have used the deadly finisher. He would surely have made an excellent addition to the squad given Antonio is now the club’s only senior striker.
Star has made a decision on his West Ham future claims transfer expert
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