'I'd be surprised': Craig Hope shares what he's heard about Newcastle's interest in £60m striker

With reports coming out suggesting that Newcastle United will miss out on Benjamin Sesko it begs the question where does Eddie Howe turn to next for a striker?

Well, according to journalist Craig Hope, nowhere, yet.

The Daily Mail reporter was on Sky Sports News' Back Pages Tonight show on Wednesday and he said he believes that a striker isn't the priority for Eddie Howe with right-wing a more pressing issue.

That doesn't mean that Howe isn't after a new striker, but it does mean that he's unlikely to be pushing hard for one at the start of the window.

Eddie Howe's transfer priorities lie elsewhere

Speaking about one particular target, Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin in whom Newcastle have a reported interest, Hope says he doesn't see that one happening with Howe more keen on keeping Callum Wilson rather than shelling out £60million on the 27-year-old England international.

“I think Eddie Howe’s preference is to try and keep Callum Wilson this summer.

“He sees a greater need elsewhere in the squad, notably right-wing, perhaps a new goalkeeper and centre-halves as well.

“I’d be surprised [if Newcastle do sign Calvert-Lewin]. Eddie Howe does like Calvert-Lewin. They have enquired about him before in previous windows. This story dropped last week. My information then was ‘yes he’s on a list, but he’s not top of that list and it wouldn’t be a priority’.”

Our nerves are jangling already over the thought of starting the season with two strikers again

Honestly, we're not sure how we feel about this.

While we were never excited by the Calvert-Lewin links, it did mean we were looking for a striker. We have nothing against keeping Callum Wilson per se either, but if we don't bring in another forward to come in ahead of him in the pecking order then what the hell are we doing?

We know Howe is loyal to the players he likes, probably to a fault, but we are absolutely terrified of going into this season with just Callum Wilson as backup for Alexander Isak again.

Thankfully there's a long way to go between now and the start of the season, and there's still a fortnight until the transfer window opens. Breathe in. And out. In. And out.