Callum Wilson has told his agent that his preferred move this summer is to sign for Newcastle United.
The Magpies are effectively involved in a bidding war for the striker's services with Aston Villa tabling the latest proposal at £21million for the AFC Bournemouth star.
Wilson's representative Will Salthouse threw winger Matt Ritchie into the equation earlier in the week as part of swap deal, but the winger - believed to be on £65,000 per week - is torn over a return to the South Coast or seeing out his peak years on Tyneside.
Ritchie signed the lucrative deal back in March and is contracted at United until 2023.
Wilson's wages at Bournemouth have dropped to £75,000 per week with the Cherries after relegation and he wants to leave to pursue his England career, something he can only realistically achieve in the top-flight.
Salthouse is planning to hold further talks with managing director Lee Charnley and football secretary Richie Hines over the weekend as Newcastle look to kickstart their summer transfer window.
Mike Ashley is in Miami but has sanctioned some cash buys providing they fit into the club's new outlook on finances amid the pandemic.
Although, United's slow-paced window is arguably down to the approval of big money deals via Ashley and the time taken to get firm answers.
Wilson would love to join the Magpies but the interest from Aston Villa is strong and the latest bid underlines their intentions to win the race for the Coventry-born striker.
