Newcastle United could look to replace Callum Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to former Premier League defender Danny Mills. 

The lowdown: Wilson's fitness woes

Signed from Bournemouth for £20m (Sky Sports) in 2020, the England international has scored 18 times in 43 appearances for the Magpies.

Despite those exploits in front of goal, the 30-year-old has also missed 36 matches through a variety of injury issues since arriving at St James' Park.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/" title="Newcastle news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

Currently nearing a return to full fitness following a lengthy period out with a calf problem, Mills believes that Eddie Howe may still be on the lookout for further reinforcements at the end of the season.

The latest: 'Concern' over Wilson's Newcastle future

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT contributor Mills suggested that neither Wilson nor January capture Chris Wood are able to lead the line for Newcastle in the long-term.

The former Leeds defender claimed: “I think he’s ahead of Chris Wood by some distance. It just depends on whether Newcastle decide he is fit enough to lead the line for the whole season.

“That’ll be the only reason they decide to move him well down the pecking order. Yes, they’ll be looking to strengthen – but if you can guarantee his fitness for the whole season, they’ll probably be looking for a backup.

“But he’s had his troubles with injury – and therefore I can see him finishing up as the backup for Newcastle next season.

“He isn’t going to be fit for a full season – and that’s the concern.”

The verdict: Signings needed

Whilst few could doubt the quality of Wilson - who was described as a 'menace' by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer following a 2-0 win against West Ham on his Magpies debut - a wretched run with fitness issues has shown no signs of relenting.

Capped four times by England, the £18m-valued ace would be the perfect foil for target man Wood in a two-pronged central attacking partnership.

However, with the New Zealand international struggling for goals following his mid-season arrival from Burnley and Wilson's push for prolonged fitness, it seems that Howe will almost certainly be looking to add at least one striker in the summer.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing a move for this former Sunderland ace