Odds cut on Newcastle United signing Leeds United striker Chris Wood

Newcastle United are second in the running to sign the Leeds United talisman, after Burnley.

Bookmakers Sky Bet have cut odds on Newcastle United signing Chris Wood from Leeds United this summer.

Newcastle remain on the lookout for a new centre forward this summer, although a deal for Stoke City’s Joselu is now imminent (Telegraph).

Chris Wood of Leeds United celebrates (left)

But the Magpies are among the leading contenders for Wood’s signature nonetheless, occupying odds of 8/1 as of Monday lunchtime.

Indeed, only Burnley – who failed with a £12 million bid for the New Zealand international last week (Yorkshire Evening Post) – are deemed more likely to sign him than Newcastle, who are joint-second favourites alongside West Brom and Brighton.

Wood scored 30 goals for Leeds in all competitions last season, and the Whites are understandably reluctant to lose him as they look to mount a promotion challenge this time around.

However, with the purse strings tight at St James’ Park, they will perhaps fancy their chances of keeping him out of Newcastle’s clutches – although that doesn’t rule out Burnley, West Brom or Brighton.

See the full list of contenders below:

Burnley – 9/2

Newcastle/West Brom/Brighton – 8/1

Huddersfield – 12/1

Stoke – 16/1

West Ham/Middlesbrough/Crystal Palace – 25/1

Southampton – 33/1

To stay at Leeds – 1/2

A general view of Elland Road Stadium prior to kick off in the Sky Bet Championship League match between Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers, at Elland Road Stadium on March 5, 2016 in Leeds,... Leeds United’s Elland Road ground