Former Hull City defender Alex Bruce has backed Daniel Levy to improve Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur squad by signing AFC Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson this summer.
Wilson has emerged as a potential transfer target for Spurs this summer following the Cherries relegation from the Premier League, ending their five-year stay in the top-flight.
The 28-year-old was a pivotal aspect of Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth over the south coast side’s stay in the Premier League, making 126 appearances, scoring 41 goals and penning a further 16 assists of which eight goals and three assists came during 2019/20.
But he now looks likely to leave the Vitality Stadium with Spurs, West Ham United and Newcastle all interested in his availability, while Tottenham are also said to be considering a move to sign Wales international David Brooks.
Bournemouth are expected to demand a fee in excess of £20million for Wilson, who the Hammers believe can add pace to their front line.
Bruce is not shy of vocalising his admiration of Wilson and has responded to the recent links by suggesting the forward would be a worthwhile option for Tottenham, who are still yet to replace Fernando Llorente after his release.
“He’s a good player, I’m sure there’s a number of Bournemouth players [who will secure summer moves],” Bruce told Football Insider. “They’ve got four or five very decent ones.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if we saw them move on. The likes of Josh King, David Brooks and [Nathan] Ake are all good enough.
“It’ll be a tough time for Bournemouth and their supporters seeing their best players leave but unfortunately with relegation, you’d expect if the price is right the likes of Callum Wilson to be moving on.
“If he does go to Tottenham it might not be a bad option to have Callum Wilson and Harry Kane in your armoury for Jose Mourinho, so it wouldn’t surprise me if we do see him go there.”
Would you spend over £20m to sign Wilson?
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Wilson has handed Spurs a major boost in their hopes of sealing a transfer after reportedly telling his Bournemouth teammates that he wishes to stay in the Premier League to retain his place in the England squad.
Gareth Southgate selected the 28-year-old in his last Three Lions squad during a European qualifier against Bulgaria back in November, marking Wilson’s fourth England cap adding to previous outings against Switzerland, Montenegro and the United States – who he scored his sole international goal against.
Wilson has only missed out on a place in one international matchday squad since making his England debut against the USA in November 2018, with Southgate leaving the forward as an unused substitute on seven occasions.