Newcastle boss Howe set to make £20 million Premier League striker his second signing

Newcastle United are set to announce the signing of Chris Wood from Burnley imminently, having met the striker’s release clause. 

The New Zealand international is set to join the relegation-threatened Magpies after they met the clause, which is believed to be in the region of £25 million, as per Sky Sports.

The deal could have huge ramifications at the bottom end of the Premier League table ahead of a crucial second half of the season, with Wood having played in all 17 of the Clarets’ league games so far this season.

The striker’s most prolific season for Burnley came in 2019/20, when he cored 14 times in 32 top flight games.

Newcastle have moved quickly to secure the signing of Wood, who will act as a direct replacement for fellow striker Callum Wilson, who has been ruled out for around two months after suffering a calf injury against Manchester United.

The club’s need for a Wilson replacement was highlighted by a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Cambridge United in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

The move comes as a surprise to many, with the acquisition of a proven top flight goalscorer undoubtedly a huge boost for Eddie Howe’s side.

Wood’s last Clarets goal came against Crystal Palace in November

Newcastle currently sit 19th in the league table, one place below Burnley, who have two games in hand over them.

Wood, who is currently undergoing a medical ahead of the move being finalised, will be Howe’s second signing as Magpies boss, with Kieran Trippier having joined the club last week.

The 30-year-old has an impressive record in the Premier League, scoring 50 times in 153 appearances for Burnley and Leicester City.

Newcastle are hoping to have the deal finalised in time for Wood to be cleared to play in the club’s next fixture, a huge game against 17th-placed Watford at St. James’ Park on Saturday.

The Magpies are also expected to make yet more signings before the transfer window slams shut on February 3, with talks ongoing over a potential move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.