Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on the capture of Burnley forward Chris Wood in a £20 million deal this month.
According to a report from MARCA, Chris Wood could be on the verge of a shock move to Newcastle United. The Tyneside outfit appear to have met the Burnley forward’s £20 million release clause, and he is soon set to complete his medical at St. James’ Park.
Wood is considered as a cover for Callum Wilson, whose calf injury has ruled him out for a considerable period. Wilson’s injury, coupled with the lack of productivity from the other forwards, has compelled Eddie Howe to enter the market for at least two new strikers this January.
Chris Wood is all set to become the first of the two forwards, with Howe rating him highly due to his experience and know-how of being in a relegation battle in the Premier League. The New Zealander has had a gritty career at Burnley, with a tally of 53 goals in 165 competitive matches.
His contributions in front of goal have been critical in helping the Clarets remain in the top-flight under the leadership of Sean Dyche. Wood is even the club’s second-highest scorer this season, just behind new signing Maxwel Cornet.
Wood will become Newcastle United’s second big signing of the January window, after Kieran Trippier, another ex-Burnley star who joined the club on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid. Trippier will be hoping to produce useful crosses out wide for Wood, who is regarded as an efficient target man thanks to his physical and aerial prowess inside the box.
With an experienced striker in the bag, Newcastle United are now expected to shift their attention towards signing the second new striker. Howe is likely to prefer a younger option this time, having been linked with a move for Liverpool star Divock Origi, among many others.
Burnley, meanwhile, could be set for further losses as they brace themselves for a battle to keep hold of Dwight McNeil. The young attacker has attracted the interest of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton, although the Premier League club is holding out for a fee of £35 million.
Wood’s imminent departure coupled with McNeil’s uncertain future at the club signals a potential exodus that could lead to quite a busy window for the Clarets, as Dyche looks to pick up wise replacements in the market in an attempt to help his side stave off relegation from the Premier League, ahead of Newcastle United, Watford and Norwich City.
