Newcastle United are nearing a deal with Burnley for Chris Wood, as boss Eddie Howe and Steve Nickson argued his physicality makes the striker an ideal January transfer target.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who note the Toon are close to signing the New Zealand international. The Magpies have shuffled Wood near to the top of their shortlist for winter reinforcements as the attacker has a £20m-25m release clause in his contract at Turf Moor.
Howe has had to spend on a new striker in January as Callum Wilson will miss the next two-months. His former Bournemouth dynamo suffered a calf injury at the end of December.
Newcastle have explored deals for a host of centre-forwards to help replace the goals lost without Wilson available. They also retain an interest in adding another option after signing Wood, and are confident he will join this week.
Wood travelled to Tyneside for his medical on Tuesday following Newcastle initially moving for the Burnley star’s transfer on Monday. Additionally, Sky Sports report the Magpies have activated the £25m release clause in his Clarets contract to strengthen Howe’s frontline.
Newcastle back Howe and Nickson judgment with transfer for Burnley’s Wood
Newcastle are likely to finalise Wood’s transfer from Burnley to St James’ Park in the next couple of days. His arrival follows manager Howe and chief scout Nickson arguing the case for the 30-year-old’s capture in the winter market.
Both men played instrumental roles in convincing United’s Saudi-led leadership to spend a substantial sum on the Clarets ace. Howe and Nickson argued Wood has proven at Burnley he has all the physicality needed to both score and also link Newcastle’s attacking play.
Newcastle have backed Howe and Nickson’s judgment, with Wood set to be their second January transfer once signed from Burnley. Howe will then focus on acquiring a centre-half, left-back and a new central midfielder. He would also like a young striker he can develop.
Howe will hope Wood can replicate the physicality he showed at Burnley with a transfer to Newcastle in the meantime. The Toon boss will also hope the 59-cap ace improves on his three goals after 17 Premier League appearances.
Wood averages the most aerial duels contested (10.8) per game by top-flight strikers after more than four appearances this season. Per WhoScored, he also wins 5.5 aerial duels a game – only Christian Benteke (6/9.4) wins more.
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