West Ham United striker Callum Wilson is a target for Everton, according to The Athletic. They could take the England international away from the London Stadium this winter transfer window.
West Ham signed Wilson this summer on a free transfer, and he has proven to be a useful pick-up.
Still, the 33-year-old’s spell at West Ham has been underwhelming.
Wilson has managed just four goals in 18 appearances for the Hammers, and there are talks of him terminating his deal and walking away.
Everton could snap him up on a free transfer if West Ham follow through on those plans.
West Ham have signed Taty Castellanos this winter window and could feel they have enough firepower to let Wilson go.
However, letting Wilson walk now would be a gamble that could backfire spectacularly.
Yes, he is no longer the sharp, explosive striker he once was, and his goal return has been modest.
But Wilson still offers the Irons something they do not otherwise possess, a savvy, streetwise No.9 who understands the rhythms of the Premier League.
His movement in the box, ability to occupy centre-backs and knack for drawing fouls give the Hammers a different attacking dynamic. His former boss, Eddie Howe, lauded him as ‘special’.
By contrast, Castellanos is an unknown quantity at this level.
The Argentine has promise, but adapting to the physicality, tempo and unforgiving nature of the Premier League mid-season is no small task.
Asking him to shoulder the goalscoring burden alone, with West Ham hovering dangerously in the bottom three, is a considerable risk.
Depth, experience and variety up front often make the difference in relegation battles.
Stripping that away for the sake of clearing wages or chasing a (barely) marginal upgrade could prove reckless.
If goals dry up and pressure mounts, West Ham may look back on the decision to let Wilson leave as a defining mistake, one that nudged them closer to relegation.