Newcastle: Bruce chooses between England international and Chelsea outcast

Newcastle United are searching for a new striker, and Steve Bruce has confirmed his transfer preference.

Newcastle United only managed to score 38 goals in 38 games during the 2019-20 Premier League campaign. The fact that they comfortably avoided relegation with their struggles up top is a miracle in and of itself.

Jonjo Shelvey, who is known for his passing, not scoring goals, led the team with six goals, followed by Dwight Gayle who scored on four occasions.

Big money signing Joelinton was expected to lead the front line in convincing fashion, but the Brazilian youngster only scored two goals in league action.

Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto did not contribute much of anything off the bench as both players failed to find the back of the net. As a result, Newcastle United are looking to add more quality up top resolve their scoring woes.

According to a new report out of Tyneside, the Magpies have the opportunity to loan in Chelsea outcast Michy Batshuayi, but Steve Bruce still wants the club to do all they can to sign Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson.

Both players are talented and have the skills and experience to serve Newcastle United well, but Bruce’s preference would be the right move for the club.

Batshuayi is a dynamic, technically gifted striker who can find the back of the net with proper support from midfield, but Wilson has a proven track record of being a reliable striker across multiple seasons.

Over the last two seasons, Wilson has found the back of the net 22 times, and he also provided 10 assists to his teammates. Despite Bournemouth’s collective struggles this past season, the England international still found a way to score eight goals.

Another reason why Wilson would be the better option for Newcastle United has to do with his motivation. Batshuayi is motivated by finding a situation where he can enjoy playing regular minutes rather than wasting his skills and potential on Chelsea’s bench.

Wilson, on the other hand, is motivated by reputation and the possibility of reaching new heights. His ultimate goal is to keep his place in the England squad, and he knows he needs to play in the Premier League in order to stay on Gareth Southgate’s radar.

Both players would be solid additions to a Newcastle United squad in dire need of more quality in the final third, but securing the services of Wilson before the season starts would be great business for the Toon.

Who would you choose – Callum Wilson or Michy Batshuayi? Let us know in the comments section below.