Chris Wood will become the second signing of the January transfer window following the acquisition of Atletico Madrid fullback Kieran Trippier last week.
Newcastle had hoped to start domination of English and world football as soon as they took over, but they are rooted in a relegation dogfight. Their current position has ensured that attracting the big names has become a pipe dream.
The plan may still be in the works, but challenging the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool will take a while to actualise, as the big names are not keen on joining a club locked in a battle for survival.
The fortunes of Newcastle have witnessed little change much since the arrival of Eddie Howe, as well as their recent takeover. However, redemption looks in sight, with the club looking to acquire players suited for this kind of fight.
Newcastle raid Burnley for striker
The realisation of a relegation fight may have set in for Newcastle as they fight to maintain their Premier League status. They have turned their sights from the big names that would give them instant relevance to players that can dig them out of the relegation mire.
Burnley striker Chris Wood is on the verge of joining Newcastle. The Saudi-led regime is close to completing the £25 million signing after activating the release clause in his contract. Wood will be put through a medical at Newcastle before he is ready to make his debut that should come against Watford on Saturday.
Burnley, who are also in the relegation fight, are not pleased with the scene before them. According to NBC Sports, Burnley manager Sean Dyche is furious at the situation. Burnley are level on points with Newcastle and are battling for survival. Losing a regularr in this manner is not what Dyche foresaw, and reports suggest there is no replacement in the works.
Chris Wood will be Newcastle’s second signing of the window. The New Zealand international joins Newcastle following the capture of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12 million.
Newcastle had urgent needs
Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier share the same agency - CAA Base. During final discussions to bring Trippier to Tyneside, co-owner Amanda Staveley and head coach Eddie Howe got wind of the availability of Chris Wood.
A new striker became necessary following Callum Wilson's calf injury last month. Reports suggest that Wilson will be out for at least eight weeks.
Newcastle will now shift their attention to a centre-half. The name making the rounds in Newcastle is Gleison Bremer. The 24-year-old Brazilian is also a subject of interest from Inter Milan.
Wood has scored 53 goals from 165 appearances for the Turf Moor side, scoring thrice this season. He has 18 months left on his contract.
The capture of Wood is a low blow for Burnley, with Newcastle’s only win this season being a home victory over Burnley.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
