Callum Wilson has joked Newcastle United is 'obviously' the best destination for Jude Bellingham before admitting it is 'too soon' for the Magpies to compete to sign the England star. Bellingham is expected to be at the centre of a transfer tussle this summer with Liverpool and Real Madrid among the frontrunners.
Newcastle are understood to be in the market for a central midfielder in the mid-season window, with Bruno Guimaraes joining Jonjo Shelvey on the sidelines. However, Eddie Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth have both warned the club can not continue to spend as they have in the last two windows due to Financial Fair Play.
Bellingham's future was discussed on the Footballer's Football Podcast, with West Ham striker Michail Antonio and Wilson both talking about potential destinations for the teenager. Newcastle's number nine did not hesitate when he was asked where he believed the Borussia Dortmund star should sign.
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Wilson told the BBC's Footballer's Football Podcast: "Newcastle obviously! I think for us, we're not at that level yet to get a player like Jude. He's going to be very expensive. I would love to have him at the club, but it's too soon I'd say."
Wilson played alongside Bellingham at the World Cup, and it was the midfielder who released the Newcastle striker in behind to register his assist for Jack Grealish in the opening Group B victory over Iran. The 30-year-old was asked for his verdict on one of England's standout stars from the competition.
Wilson said: "It was the first time I had seen him kind of play, when I was in the squad last he was probably 16! He is a solid midfielder who has got everything, great feet, strong, quick, and can finish. The world is his oyster."
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