Chris Wood, on Wednesday, will have his medicals with Newcastle as he finalizes personal terms for a £25 million move from Burnley.
Newcastle has triggered a release clause in Wood’s contract in order to secure a replacement for Callum Wilson, who has been ruled out for two months with a calf injury sustained in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Cambridge United.
Wood has been a crucial striker for relegation opponents Burnley, who are just one point ahead of Newcastle in the bottom three on goal difference, but the 30-year-old’s contract included a clause that allowed him to leave Turf Moor if a specified sum was offered.
With three goals for Burnley this season, the New Zealand international has plenty of Premier League experience and might be a starter as Newcastle prepare for a critical home encounter against Watford on Saturday.
Newcastle could still possibly acquire two new strikers before the end of the January transfer window, with talks for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike still underway.
The Premier League team has made an informal bid for Ekitike, but it falls short of Reims’ £30 million asking price for the in-form France U20 international, with negotiations between the two clubs continuing.
The Magpies are set to make a formal bid, although two undisclosed Premier League clubs are also interested in signing the striker.
If Wood completes his deal to fellow Premier League strugglers Newcastle, Burnley are said to have lined up two potential replacements.
Both of the individuals Burnley are considering replacing the New Zealand international ply their trade overseas. The Clarets are looking for flexible individuals that can play across the frontline in order to add pace to their current attacking lineup.
