CHERRIES have accepted a £20million bid from Newcastle United for Callum Wilson, the Daily Echo understands.

Aston Villa were also understood to have been interested in the striker, but withdrew from the race due to Wilson's preference to move to St James's Park.

Newcastle now lead the chase with Wilson set to discuss personal terms over a potential move.

There were reports Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie could be involved in a swap for Wilson to head back to the south coast, but the Daily Echo understands the accepted bid does not include any deal for the former Cherries man.

Wilson joined Cherries for £3million from Coventry City back in 2014 and helped the club clinch promotion from the Championship.

The England international has netted 67 goals and registered 30 assists in his 187 appearances for the club.

Cherries have already sold Nathan Ake and Aaron Ramsdale this summer, while Ryan Fraser, Andrew Surman, Jordon Ibe, Simon Francis and Artur Boruc have departed on free transfers.

Asked yesterday about Wilson's future, boss Jason Tindall said: "I can’t begrudge anyone that wants to play at the highest level.

“But in terms of what happens from here, that’s for the club to decide.

"Whatever happens – if he stays I will be absolutely delighted as a manager.

“Or if he gets an opportunity to go and play at the highest level, he certainly deserves it for the hard work that he’s put in throughout the years.”