Paul Mitchell should offload in-demand Newcastle player in Jan, Howe must be frustrated – Opinion

There have been plenty of positives for Newcastle United since their five-game winless run in the Premier League. 

The Magpies’ most recent fixture before the international break saw them thrashing Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground, with the result moving them to eighth in the standings. 

Alexander Isak has been one of the top performers for Newcastle in recent weeks, with the Sweden international scoring in his previous four outings for the club. 

Eddie Howe must be very happy with Isak but equally frustrated with Callum Wilson who has become injury prone and very rarely available for selection. 

The 32-year-old is yet to feature for the Tyneside club this campaign after picking up a back injury in pre-season. 

His involvement was also limited to just nine Premier League starts last season due to different injury issues. 

The Magpies hope to have the experienced centre-back available for their league fixture against West Ham United after the international break. 

Several clubs were linked with an interest in Wilson last summer but he eventually ended up staying at St James’ Park. 

Paul Mitchell now must offload the England international in the January as that will be their final chance to recoup some of the £20 million fee they paid for him in 2020, with the player’s current contract expiring in 2025.  

The good news is that despite not playing since the final day of last season, the 32-year-old still looks to have plenty of admirers in the English top-flight. 

Fulham, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Southampton are all reportedly keen to secure his services in the next transfer window.