Eddie Howe recently sent a very clear message to the Newcastle United owners, and he has already been proven right.

There is a lot of speculation surrounding Newcastle United needing to cash in on some of their squad players. Miguel Almiron is rumoured to be leaving, while there has been suggestions that Callum Wilson could depart too.

The 32-year-old has endured another injury ridden season, with Wilson missing 23 games in total. That has resulted in some fans suggesting that Newcastle should move the forward on and bring in someone younger – and someone who can be more reliable.

And it would make sense to move Wilson on this summer. He will be heading into the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, while it will probably be the last chance to get some decent money for him due to his age.

What Eddie Howe has said about Newcastle selling Callum Wilson

However, Eddie Howe would rather keep Wilson at Newcastle United. The Toon boss has made clear that he does not want the club to sell the England international, whilst also offering a warning to those who think he should be replaced.

In a recent interview, Howe explained why it is not as simple as selling Wilson and buying a replacement.

“If you lose a player of that quality, to then find a player of equal standard will cost the club a lot of money,” he told BBC Sport last month.

“That’s always the big talking point about any business we do in the summer. If you lose a player, how can you replace him with the same quality with Financial Fair Play implications around the corner?”

How Eddie Howe has already been proven right

While Newcastle would be replacing a player who struggles to stay fit, they would also be replacing a natural goalscorer. Wilson netted his 10th goal in all competitions this season on Saturday, and was outstanding in the 4-1 win over Burnley.

Wilson is a top level forward when he is fit, and the perfect partner for Alexander Isak. As Howe says, signing someone as good as Wilson or someone who has the potential to be as good as Wilson will not be cheap, which is an issue at a time when profit and sustainability is at the forefront of every deal the club does.

Finances might be the reason Newcastle decide to keep Wilson, as bringing in a replacement could be very costly. And that is summed up by Benjamin Sesko.

The RB Leipzig striker is a long term target for the Magpies, and was actually linked with a move to Tyneside before the club broke their transfer record to bring in Alexander Isak.

Since then, Sesko has remained on Newcastle’s radar. For many, he is the ideal candidate to replace Wilson, given his incredible potential.

But what is also incredible is his asking price. According to Sky Germany reporter Philippe Hinze, Sesko’s release clause is dependent on how well he performs, and it is now worth £56million.

He adds that it could even increase to £64million, depending on what happens in Leipzig’s remaining two games.

That fee would make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever. That is one example of how much it would cost for the Magpies to replace Wilson.

Another problem in Newcastle signing someone like Sesko

And if you are a player as gifted as Sesko, are you going to make the move knowing you will be second choice behind Isak? I’m not so sure.

This sums up why it is going to be so difficult for Newcastle to replace Wilson, and why Howe is reluctant to move him on. His stance is more than understandable, but there will come a time when Newcastle do need to bring in another striker.

Some will argue that the club should bite the bullet this summer, but Howe disagrees.

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