Simon Jordan has claimed that Chris Wood’s rumoured release clause ‘only applies in the summer’ amid talk that the Burnley striker is closing in on a move to Newcastle, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Crystal Palace owner shared the ‘information I have just been given’ is that Burnley are possibly selling the player to Newcastle at their own will.
Sky Sports report that Newcastle have met a release clause of ‘around £25 million’ for the New Zealand international.
Given that both Newcastle and Burnley are sitting in the relegation zone, it would make sense that the player is only moving because a clause of some kind has been met.
Well, even though that is what has been suggested, during these past few days and especially during these past 24 hours, it just might not be the case.
This is what talkSPORT pundit Jordan had to say on the matter, which if true, is rather shocking and it will anger Burnley fans.
“The information I have just been given,” said Jordan. “I am not going to say who it has been given from, but I will say it is from someone moderately reliable in the game and their motivations might be up for question.
“But they are suggesting that this is a transaction that has a release clause that only applies in the summer. That means, in the January transfer window, that release clause doesn’t actually kick in. The release clause kicks in this summer.
“If that’s the case, then that means potentially Burnley have sold him voluntarily rather than against their wishes. Or prepping themselves for relegation and the cash income that will benefit from dropping down.
“I have always had grave concerns about this (Burnley’s) ownership model. About Alan Pace, their little gang and how they purchased this football club – this is white flag territory.”
Well, it seems as though Wood is heading to the North East to complete a move to Newcastle and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the player isn’t welcomed back at Turf Moor.
This move won’t go down well with the Burnley fans because it would be seen that he is jumping ship.
Either way, this will make Sean Dyche’s side weaker and it’s going to be interesting to see how the club react because they have to do something.
Burnley play with two men up top, and with Maxwel Cornet at the Africa Cup of Nations, they are significantly lighter in the attacking department.
And Wood’s potential departure has just made matters worse.
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