Chris Wood expected to sign for Newcastle
The Magpies have reportedly triggered the 30 year old's release clause at Burnley
Last updated 12th Jan 2022
It's widely reported that New Zealand striker Chris Wood will undergo a medical in Newcastle today (Wed 12th Jan) ahead of a potential £25M move.
Eddie Howe's team have triggered a release clause as they look to cover Callum Wilson, who has been ruled out with a calf injury for two months.
The Magpies are in desperate need for a striker after Saturday's shock FA Cup third-round defeat to Cambridge United.
Wood has been a key player for relegation rivals Burnley. They're just above Newcastle on goal difference in the bottom three of the Premier League.
The New Zealand international's scored 3 this season and would slot into the starting line-up this weekend when Newcastle welcome another relegation rival, Watford, to St James' Park on Saturday.
Newcastle are reportedly still in the market for defenders, midfielders and strikers and could even sign a goalkeeper too as they look to pull themselves out of relegation trouble.
From Sky Sports News:
The Premier League side have made an informal offer for Ekitike, but it has fallen short of Reims' £30m valuation of the in-form France U20 international, with talks continuing between the two clubs.
The Magpies are expected to make a formal offer, but could face competition for the striker with two unnamed Premier League clubs also interested.
Ekitike, who made his debut for Reims in August, has scored eight goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season and registered three assists. The 19-year-old can also play on the left wing.
Paul Merson says Newcastle need to complete the signing of Chris Wood before Saturday's game against relegation rivals Watford, with top scorer Callum Wilson facing eight weeks out with a calf injury.
"They have to take a chance and hope someone can hit the ground running," Merson told Sky Sports. "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.
"I worry for Newcastle, I really do. That was an absolutely shocking result against Cambridge.
"The problem is Wilson is back in eight weeks, but you cannot wait for him. You've got to bring someone in. Time is running out for Newcastle.
"They need a striker to play against Watford on Saturday. They have to bring someone in. They cannot wait until after the game on Saturday.
"They can't say they are in no rush and we'll just get through this game because if they lose to Watford they are in major trouble. They'll be in even more trouble than they are in now!
"This is why the panic is firmly on and why they have to bring a forward in. This is their cup final. They aren't winning this game without someone. They have to take a chance and it is going to be a panic buy, whatever they do, but they have to do something."
Newcastle United takeover, so far...
7th October 2021: Newcastle United is bought for £305m in Saudi Arabian backed takeover
7th October 2021: Newcastle United fans celebrate outside St James' Park
13th October 2021: Amnesty International demand meeting with Premier League over Owners and Directors test, following the Newcastle takeover. Concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights records, claims of 'sportswashing' their reputation
20th October 2021: Steve Bruce leaves position of Head Coach by mutual consent
8th November 2021: Eddie Howe confirmed as Newcastle's new Head Coach
47h January 2022: Kieran Trippier becomes Newcastle United's first signing since the takeover. The full back moved from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of £12m.
Newcastle United's history
Newcastle United F.C was founded in 1892 after Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End merged.
The Magpies play at St James' Park, a ground with a capacity of 52,305
Newcastle United have won 4 First Division titles, 4 Second Division/Championship titles. 6 FA Cups, 1 FA Charity Shield, 1 Sheriff of London Charity Shield, 1 Inter Cities Fairs Cup, 1 UEFA Intertoto Cup, 2 Texaco Cups and 1 Anglo-Italian Cup; the 9th highest total of trophies won by an English club.
Newcastle United's last major trophy win was in 1955 when they beat Manchester City 3-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
The clubs top goal scorer is Alan Shearer, who scored 206 goals in his 441 appearances. Shearer still holds the record for the most Premier League goals scored.
Newcastle United have spent 89 years in the top flight and have spent all but three seasons in the Premier League's history.
The Magpies were relegated to the Championship in 2009, and again in 2016, but gained promotion at the first time of asking on each occasion, returning to the Premier League, as Championship winners, in 2010 and 2017.
In October 2021 Newcastle United was bought for £300 million by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabian government's sovereign wealth fund. The purchase made Newcastle the richest club in the Premier League.