Paul Merson feels Eddie Howe is playing a blinder with Newcastle United naring a transfer for Burnley striker Chris Wood to strengthen the St James’ Park attack, he told Sky Sports.
The Magpies have activated a £25m release clause in the New Zealander’s contract at Turf Moor to land a centre-forward. Howe has had to target attacking reinforcements in January after a calf injury ruled top-scorer Callum Wilson out for two-months.
Wilson has provided six of the Toon’s 19 Premier League goals so far this term. Only Allan Saint-Maximin (4) has also offered more than one over the Tyneside natives’ 19 fixtures.
Wood will travel to Newcastle for his medical on Wednesday before completing a transfer from relegation rivals Burnley. The Clarets sit above the Magpies in the table only on goal difference, but having played two fewer games. They have scored 16 times in 17 matches.
Merson hails Burnley striker Wood as ‘what Newcastle need’
Wood has contributed three of Burnley’s 16 Premier League goals so far this season, with only Maxwel Cornet (6) outscoring the Newcastle transfer target in seven fewer outings.
The 30-year-old has scored 10+ goals in all four of his complete English top-flight seasons so far. However, Wood scored eight of his 12 last season between March 6 and May 10.
Merson believes Newcastle are signing precisely the sort of striker they need in the January transfer window by weakening a relegation rival in Burnley for Wood to stand in for Wilson.
“They have to take a chance and hope someone can hit the ground running,” Merson said. “I know he isn’t prolific, but Wood plays every week for Burnley and he plays in the Premier League. You know he will be alright in this league.
“It’s not going to be a shock to him and he will run through a brick wall for you. That’s what Newcastle need. They need the likes of Kieran Tripper and Chris Wood.
“They need players who are going to roll their sleeves up and not come in and be shocked how fast the Premier League is.”
Wood could make his Newcastle debut, providing his transfer from Burnley goes through without any issues, against Watford on Saturday. The Toon welcome Claudio Ranieri’s side to Tyneside and can overtake their relegation rivals by beating the 17th-place Hornets.
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