Everton

Everton

Premier League • England

Everton urged to raid Newcastle for attacker who is ‘a step above’ current Frank Lampard option

Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Chris Wood

A pundit has explained why Everton should try to sign striker Chris Wood from Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

Wood joined Newcastle from Burnley in January for £25million. The transfer had the double aim of improving Newcastle’s forward line and weakening their relegation rivals at the time, Burnley.

The ploy worked as Wood scored in victories over Southampton and Wolves to help the Magpies stay up. Burnley, in contrast, were relegated after finishing in 18th place.

Wood’s place in the Newcastle starting eleven came under threat when they broke their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak in the summer.

The 23-year-old managed two goals in three appearances for Newcastle before picking up a hamstring injury. As a result, Wood has played more than expected, picking up 16 appearances across all competitions and registering two goals.

However, his long-term future at St James’ Park is uncertain. After all, Wood has not done well enough to remain in the team for when Isak returns.

And no matter how good the New Zealander plays, Eddie Howe will always prefer to select his record signing to ensure the £60m is not wasted.

As such, Newcastle could allow Wood to leave the club next year, either in January or during the summer transfer window.

Everton told to pursue Magpies player

Former striker Noel Whelan reckons Everton should pounce on the opportunity to land Wood. This is because he is ‘a big step above’ Salomon Rondon, who has found the net just three times in 31 matches for the Toffees.

“He’s a big step above Rondon,” Whelan said of Wood during an interview with Football Insider.

“[Dominic] Calvert-Lewin is a player who thrives from that service from wide areas, and Chris Wood would be exactly the same.

“I do believe they need more quality in January. If Everton can get him at the right price, he’d be a welcome addition to this team.

“I think a deal like that would suit both parties. Newcastle had to sign him at the time, but they’re now looking for bigger and better players.

“This could be the right time for a club like Everton to get a good deal.”

As Whelan states, this could be a very clever transfer for Everton to complete. With Howe not needing Wood too much, and his contract expiring in 2024, Newcastle could sell him for a reduced price.

This means Everton would not have to pay close to his original £25m fee when completing a deal.

Another reason this transfer could work is the similarities between Calvert-Lewin and Wood. As they are both target men who are great in the air, Everton wouldn’t have to change their playing style too much if Wood comes on for the Englishman.

Everton fans would probably want players with more talent to arrive at Goodison Park. But the fact is Wood is a proven Premier League striker who appears to be on the market, and so the club should take this opportunity.

Once the Toffees can improve their finances, then they will be able to set their sights on players with better potential.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are the sole suitors left for an Everton forward, according to a journalist.