Callum Wilson heading to Newcastle United in £20m deal as Aston Villa pull out of race

The club is understood to be Wilson’s preferred destination, and Aston Villa – who had bid £21million for the England international – have pulled out of the race to sign him.

Wilson, 28, will now head to Tyneside to complete the formalities of the move.

Former Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie, linked with a cash-plus-player deal for Wilson, is NOT part of the agreement for the sale.

Bruce is also hoping to sign winger Ryan Fraser, a free agent, and Norwich City left-back Jamal Lewis in the coming days.

Fraser arrived on Tyneside on Friday for talks with Bruce, who has lost striker Dwight Gayle to a long-term knee injury.

Speaking after yesterday’s 1-0 defeat to Stoke City at St James's Park, Bruce said: “It’s been a very difficult couple of weeks.

"However, we’ve got one or two things working behind the scenes in terms of players coming in. I think it’s been publicised, and I think all the supporters are eager to see it happen. We’re close to one or two things, so let’s hope, in the next 24 hours, 48 hours, we can bring one or two in.”

Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall had said Wilson “deserves” to play at Premier League level after his team’s friendly win over West Ham United yesterday.

“I think, and I’ve said this before, in all my time at the football club, there has always been speculation, there’s always been people wanting our best players,” Tindall told the Daily Echo.

“Callum falls into that category and that bracket. 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.

“If he stays, I’ll 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.”