Report: Villa, Newcastle battling to sign Bournemouth's Wilson

Aston Villa and Newcastle United are in a head-to-head race to sign Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, according to BBC Sport's Phil McNulty.

The Cherries have rejected a £15-million bid from Aston Villa as they seek a fee closer to £25 million for the striker, The Guardian's Ben Fisher reports. The Villans have since submitted an improved £21-million offer, McNulty understands.

It's believed that Newcastle remain firmly in the hunt, though, as manager Steve Bruce looks to strengthen his squad. Bruce apparently wants to reunite Wilson with Ryan Fraser, the former Bournemouth winger who's expected to complete a free transfer to St. James' Park this summer.

Wilson, 28, has netted a respectable 41 goals over 126 Premier League appearances despite suffering two ACL injuries during his five seasons in England's top tier. He's won four England caps, scoring one goal.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith won't give up on trying to add firepower to his side if he misses out on Wilson. Ollie Watkins - who scored 26 Championship goals last season following his conversion from a winger to a striker - is available for £25 million after narrowly missing out on promotion with Brentford.