Jeff Stelling has suggested that a possible transfer of James Maddison to Newcastle United could open the door for Leeds United to sign Chris Wood on a loan deal.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side are sitting second in the Premier League table and they are admirers of Leicester City’s thriving playmaker, whilst Jesse Marsch is trying to find regular goals within his team.
The January transfer window is days away from opening and it wouldn’t be a surprise if both Newcastle and Leeds are pretty busy, with the duo pushing for different targets in the Premier League.
The Magpies are chasing Champions League football, and dare it be said, even the title, whilst Leeds are trying to claw their way out of danger and into some realms of comfort.
Either way, Sky presenter Jeff Stelling stated that it’s ‘unfair’ that Wood is being labelled as ‘excess baggage’ at St James’ Park ahead of a possible move, as he told Soccer Special on Sky Sports.
“For something like that to happen (Newcastle signing Maddison), players would have to leave St James’ Park,” said Stelling.
“There is speculation that Chris Wood might be deemed to be excess baggage, which is an unfair phrase because he has been terrific for them and then maybe allowed to go to Leeds on loan.”
CHRIS WOOD’S RETURN TO LEEDS?
When the £25 million Newcastle signing (Sky Sports) was at Leeds, he faired very well under the stewardship of Garry Monk when they narrowly missed out on a play-off place in the Championship – and now there is talk of a return.
But he didn’t adhere himself too well to the Elland Road faithful when he left and the manner in which he left for Burnley.
Of course, since then, Wood has produced strong performances in England’s top-flight, Leeds have been promoted, Wood secured a move to Newcastle in January, Burnley are now in the Championship and Wood could be heading for the exit door once again.
With Patrick Bamford’s constant injuries and inability to stay out of the treatment room, then for the short-term, someone like Wood could do a job, but the ambition of those at Leeds has to be questioned and why they aren’t pushing for longer-term targets.
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