Eddie Howe has heaped praise on former Leeds United striker Chris Wood ahead of the Magpies game against the Whites on New Year's Eve. The Whites have been linked with a move for the £25million striker in January, prior to Callum Wilson's recent illness.
Newcastle are currently third in the Premier League after a stellar start to the campaign, but Wood has been on the fringes of Howe's squad after moving to the club in January last year. The Magpies head coach wasted no time in meeting Burnley's £25million release clause, with Newcastle in need of additions in the final third.
Wood helped the Magpies stave off relegation and secure a mid-table finish, despite being one of the favourites for relegation. The arrival of Alexander Isak and Wilson's rich vein of form in front of goal, has seen Wood drop down the pecking order, but with both out injured in recent weeks, the New Zealand international has returned to the fray and is back amongst the goals.
