CALLUM Wilson could be reunited with former Cherries team-mate Matt Ritchie at Newcastle, according to reports.

The Sun claims Rafa Benitez is preparing a transfer window bid for Wilson as the Toon boss bids to pilot them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Newcastle surrendered top spot in the Championship to Brighton following their 1-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day and the Seagulls’ 3-0 win over QPR on Tuesday.

Ritchie, who is believed to have the same representative as Wilson, moved to St James' Park for a reported fee of £12million in the summer.

Wilson starred as Cherries won promotion to the Premier League and has netted five times in 16 appearances this season.

The 24-year-old frontman missed a large chunk of last season after sustaining a serious knee injury in September 2015.

Signed by Eddie Howe from Coventry for an initial fee of around £2m, Wilson has also been linked with West Ham and Everton.

However, in a recent interview with the Daily Echo, Howe took the opportunity to reiterate his stance on Wilson’s future.

He said: “If we did receive any bid then, obviously, we would look at it. But as far as I’m concerned, we wouldn’t want to sell any player who is a key part of our long-term plans.

“Providing the players are happy, which I think they are, then we will be keeping the squad intact.”

Meanwhile, a national newspaper report suggests Cherries striker Benik Afobe could be a target for West Brom, while an Italian website claims Manchester City have joined Serie A clubs AC Milan and AS Roma in the race to sign Jack Wilshere.