West Ham 'block' wantaway star's January exit as Celtic transfer link fizzles out amid pursuit of new striker
The 33-year-old frontman was in advanced discussions with the Hammers over releasing him from his contract this month
Celtic-linked Callum Wilson is set to remain at West Ham United this month after the Premier League club reportedly blocked the striker’s plans to terminate his contract after scoring the match-winner against Tottenham in stoppage time on Saturday.
The injury-plagued frontman has been heavily linked with a move to the Scottish champions in the January window and plans were even put in place for him to leave the Londoners following a difficult six-month spell.
But the Hammers have now performed a U-turn after Wilson’s last-gasp derby heroics against Spurs.
There were growing concerns that the 33-year-old’s first-team opportunities would remain limited following the arrival of forwards Tati Castellanos and Pablo Felipe in recent weeks.
That led both parties to enter into advanced discussions over releasing him from his current deal that expires at the at end of the season to allow Wilson to pursue a move elsewhere as a free agent, with Celtic rivalling Coventry City, Sevilla and clubs in the Saudi Pro League for the nine-times capped England international’s signature.
But he will now stay in East London, according to various sources with club officials deciding internally to step in and shelve those talks. BBC Sport claim that a leading Hammers chief has suggested it would be ‘self-defeating’ to let Wilson leave at a time when they are in desperate need of goals amid a relegation battle.
Wilson joined West Ham on a free transfer in the summer, scoring five goals in 19 appearances. He previously spent five years at Newcastle United.
What has been said about Callum Wilson’s future?
Speaking earlier this month, boss Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed talks were ongoing over his potential exit, stating: “Me and Callum we had a lot of conversations, just 10 minutes ago we were speaking about that situation.
“Two strikers have joined, correct. I personally decided these strikers have joined. Callum is a very experienced man, he's been in the game for so much time, he knows that his position has changed.
“We were honest with each other. Yes, your position has changed, but you are still a player for the club and we still maybe need him and he should help us because he joined us.”
What has Martin O’Neill said about Wilson?
The news comes as a blow to Celtic who made an ‘initial enquiry’ into the hitman’s availability last week amid their ongoing search to sign a new centre-forward to strengthen their attack and boost their chances of retaining the Scottish Premiership title.
Boss Martin O’Neill played down speculation of a move for Wilson on Friday, saying: “I noticed last night when I was reading the news that Sky had said that (Celtic enquired about Wilson)... I hadn’t done.
“He’s a very fine player, but I’d heard in the background that he might have been going to Leicester City or something like that. (Saudi too). So we couldn’t compete with that. But no, he’s a very, very fine player. He’s been injury-stricken now for the last number of years, but when he’s fit, he’s a quality player.”