'Rejected': Several PL clubs have just tried to sign £25m Newcastle United player, club want to keep him - journalist
Several Premier League clubs have just tried to sign Newcastle United striker Chris Wood, but football journalist Craig Hope says the club want to keep him.
Wood only joined Newcastle back in January as he made the £25 million switch from Burnley (BBC).
The 30-year-old was brought in to compete with Callum Wilson for the number nine position at St James’ Park.
But the Magpies have once again strengthened their attacking options after bringing in Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.
Wood is arguably behind both Isak and Wilson in the pecking order at the club now. But it seems that Newcastle still want to keep the former Burnley man.
Clubs have tried to sign Wood
Daily Mail journalist Crag Hope reports that Newcastle have rejected several enquiries for Wood.
Watford are one the teams to have asked about the New Zealand international.
But Wood has also received interest from Premier League clubs.
Wood was a reliable striker for Burnley and was a huge reason Sean Dyche’s men managed to avoid relegation regularly.
The striker managed double-digit goalscoring returns in four consecutive Premier League seasons.
But he hasn’t managed to find his goalscoring touch at St James’ Park and has only netted three times in 23 appearances.
Despite his below-par form, it seems that Eddie Howe is keen to keep hold of the striker for now.
With Callum Wilson currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, it’s probably a wise move from the club.
Wilson has struggled with his fitness since making the switch to Newcastle and Howe will not want to risk being short in the department.
Wood was benched for new signing Isak last night as Howe handed the young striker his debut against Liverpool.
The former Burnley man did come on as a substitute in the second half and still has a role to play in Howe’s side over the course of the season.
