Report: Southampton battle Newcastle for Chris Wood

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Southampton have joined Newcastle United in the race to sign Burnley striker Chris Wood this summer, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (16/8; page 67).

It would be little surprise to see both the Saints and Magpies add more fire-power during this window.

Of course, Danny Ings was outstanding last season. But no other player in either squad scored more than six goals in the Premier League.

The Sunday Mirror (16/8; page 67) reports that both sides are interested in signing Wood from the Clarets. It is claimed that he is valued at £13 million.

TBR View: Wood could be an inspired buy at £13 million

In truth, it would be a big surprise if Burnley accepted £13 million. Wood has topped the Clarets’ goalscoring charts in all competitions in each of his three seasons with the club.

He has reached double figures for league goals in each year since his move from Leeds United.

Signing the New Zealander looks to be something of a no-brainer therefore.

Even if the Saints or Newcastle are working with a modest budget, paying just £13 million for a proven striker could turn out to be a real bargain.

Ings’s form and Che Adams’s improvement arguably takes some of the pressure off Ralph Hasenhuttl.

But for Steve Bruce, it is surely too good an opportunity to ignore this summer.