clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

West Ham and Tottenham could battle for Bournemouth star

Callum Wilson is coming off of a knee injury, but he's a proven goal scorer and probably available for the right price.

A.F.C. Bournemouth v Sunderland - Premier League Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images

We already know Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a back-up striker for Harry Kane when the transfer window opens in July. Now the Guardian says that Spurs may clash with West Ham for the services of Bournemouth front man Callum Wilson.

It's not a crazy idea. Wilson was one of the stars in Bournemouth's promotion campaign two seasons ago and was tipped to make a positive impact for the Cherries this past season. Last season, Wilson was a beast in the Championship, scoring 23 goals in all competitions and leading Bournemouth to the top of the table and automatic promotion. He scored five goals in Bournemouth's opening seven matches this year before he blew out his ACL and missed most of the rest of the season. He returned in time to play in the Cherries' final six matches.

The Guardian reports that Bournemouth just rejected a £25m double-bid from West Ham for Wilson and midfielder Matt Ritchie. It's not clear how much Wilson might command on his own, but Spurs might help sweeten the deal by offering up Ryan Mason as a part exchange.

The idea of bringing in a striker fresh off of major knee surgery is a bit scary, but Wilson is a proven goal scorer and would have an entire summer to train and start to get up to Pochettino's fitness levels. The injury might depress his sale value a little, and there's every indication that he'd be a fine rotation option for Harry Kane, especially if targets like Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuayi aren't available.

One for the back pocket, for now.