Newcastle desperate to sign striker before Watford match with Divock Origi, Dominic Solanke and Chris Wood among transfer targets

Newcastle are desperately trying to sign a striker before Saturday’s match against relegation rivals Watford.

They are scrambling to replace top scorer Callum Wilson, who head coach Eddie Howe said would be out with a calf injury for two months after Saturday’s shock FA Cup third-round defeat to Cambridge United.

Dominic Solanke, Patrick Schick, Chris Wood, Divock Origi, Hugo Ekitike and Sardar Azmoun are of interest to the Magpies.

If they fail to sign anyone this week, second-bottom Newcastle could play Saturday’s match at home to Watford, who sit two points above them, without a recognised striker, having scored just 19 goals in 21 matches this season.

Newcastle have a lengthy list of possible targets as they work around the clock to try and make additions to a squad that has been affected by injury and Covid-19.

The club could even sign two new strikers before the end of the January window.

Newcastle are yet to make an approach to Burnley for Wood, who has scored three goals this season.

Liverpool forward Origi has six months left on his deal and is generating a lot of interest in Italy, but prefers a move to the Premier League.

Bournemouth striker Solanke, who has 19 goals this season for the Championship club, was signed by Howe for the Cherries in 2019 so the Newcastle manager knows him well.

Bayer Leverkusen would want £50m for Czech striker Schick, Sky Sports News has been told, which would make a deal unlikely.

Nineteen-year-old Stade Reims striker Ekitike, who made his debut for the French club in August, has scored eight goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season and registered three assists.

He is a France U20 international and has experience playing on the left wing.

Newcastle and Wolves interested in Monaco’s Badiashile

Newcastle are also attempting to add in defence following the arrival of Kieran Trippier.

They lodged a second bid worth £29.3m for Lille’s Sven Botman on Friday, but the French club value him at nearer to £35m.

Wolves and Newcastle are both interested in the Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile.

The 20-year-old Monaco academy graduate is among a number of options in this position both clubs are looking at.

Newcastle want to sign at least one centre-back, with Botman their primary target.

Wolves wanted to sign Botman in the summer and were also interested in Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car, who is again on the market in January.

Wolves are not expected to spend a large fee on any new players this month, however.

Technical director Scott Sellars outlined the club’s approach to January last week and said they may do business, but would not be busy.

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