Prem striker set for medical as Newcastle meet his £25m release clause

Lewis Oldham
Newcastle target Wood

Newcastle United have met Chris Wood’s £25m release clause and the Burnley player will travel to the North East on Tuesday night for a medical, according to reports.

Wood has been linked with a move to the Magpies over the past couple of days.

Newcastle are in the market for a new striker as Callum Wilson has been ruled out for several weeks.


Newcastle have so much money and so little competence


They have relied on Wilson this term as he has scored six goals from his 15 Premier League appearances this term.

Newcastle have already signed Kieran Trippier this month. The Englishman said he was “delighted” to join Eddie Howe’s side:

“I’m delighted to be joining this fantastic club. I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I became aware of interest from Newcastle United, and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew this was where I wanted to be.

“I’m aware there is a lot of work ahead of us, but I know the demands of Premier League well and I know what an amazing club this is with very talented players. I can’t wait to get started and I’m excited to step out at St James’ Park as a Newcastle player.”

Sky Sports have reported that Newcastle have activated Wood’s £25m release clause. The player will travel to the North East and he is set to undergo his medical on Tuesday evening.

It was initially reported that Wood’s release clause was £20m, but this was later corrected. Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth said: “We were saying the release clause for Chris Wood was £20m, but one contact has just messaged me and it could be closer to £25m.

“When you look at it like that, £25m for a 30-year-old looks like good business for the team receiving the money but it’s probably not great news when you consider where that money is coming from.”

On Monday, Simon Jordan said he expected Newcastle to “overpay” for players in January:

“I got into this debate with Martin Keown about not getting drawn into overpaying for everything. That’s what they’re going to get forced into doing because everyone knows they’ve got more money than God,” Jordan told talkSPORT.

“Newcastle have got a decision to make… if you want to buy your way out of this problem, and if that problem resolves by paying £40million for Botman then job done.

“I’m leaning more towards get on with it, get it done, pay the money.

“They’re going to get their pants taken down whichever way they want it. People know they’re in a room with a bag of money.”