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

  /  autty

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 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.

However, it is understood there has been no 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.

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 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 and have made bids for Lille's Sven Botman.

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.

Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move in January?

The January transfer window opens on Saturday January 1, 2022 and closes at 11pm on Monday January 31.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.