Man Utd January target makes honest admission about ‘flattering’ links
Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson has said that he did not deserve to be the subject of transfer speculation linking him with the likes of Manchester United earlier this season.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted in January the need for his side to sign someone who would “break their nose” to score a goal, due to the long-term injury absence of Marcus Rashford.
While the Red Devils eventually brought in Odion Ighalo on loan, Wilson was one of a host of strikers linked with a move to Old Trafford, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe labelling the speculation over his striker “pointless“.
The 28-year-old has scored nine goals in 32 appearances – including eight in the Premier League – after scoring 15 and assisting 10 others in the previous campaign.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Wilson insisted that while his performances last term were “consistent”, he felt he was unworthy of links to Solskjaer’s side after his form this time round.
“Of course it is flattering, they are great clubs, massive clubs in the league,” he said.
“There were links and talks but I’m not one to read papers or listen to too much news. But you hear it from people – from friends, from family – and it only encourages me to do well really.
“Last season, my performances were quite consistent and when there were links, I tried to stay at a certain level and play well.
“Any player would like to play in the Champions League and progress, that’s what I’ve based my whole career on.
“First and foremost is obviously keeping Bournemouth up and safe and I haven’t been good enough this season to even be talking about things like that.
“I put it to the back of my mind and tried to focus on myself.”
Bournemouth sat in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety in the Premier League table before the season was brought to an abrupt halt last month.
In other news, United have been linked with a move for Harry Kane, the Tottenham striker admitting that he would not stand around and wait if he felt his side were not progressing.
A report has claimed that Red Devils executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has a concrete interest in the England captain.
