Leeds Utd line up shock reunion by targeting January raid on Newcastle for usurped PIF signing

Leeds United could offer Chris Wood a second spell at the club by prising him away from Newcastle in January, according to a report.

Wood previously played for Leeds in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, when they were in the Championship. He started 2017-18 with them too, but left not long after it began in order to step up to the Premier League by joining Burnley.

The New Zealand international has been in the top flight ever since. He spent four-and-a-half seasons at Turf Moor, scoring 53 goals from 165 games in all competitions.

Back in January, Newcastle came calling for Wood, so he took the next step of his career. Although it enabled him to avoid relegation, the move hasn’t quite worked out for him on an individual basis.

Wood scored just twice in 17 appearances for Newcastle in the second half of last season. This term, he has again only contributed two goals, this time from 16 outings.

In truth, Wood always seemed like a short-term solution for Newcastle when they signed him. Their subsequent addition of Alexander Isak for a club-record fee in the summer has only added to that feeling.

Therefore, as he approaches his 31st birthday next week, Wood is facing an uncertain future at St James’ Park.

Some pundits have already predicted Wood will be on his way out of Newcastle in the winter. Now, a report has shed light on where he might end up.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are looking into a January deal to take Wood away.

It would most likely be a loan, whereby Wood could provide competition for the likes of Rodrigo Moreno and Patrick Bamford, as well as the host of younger attackers developing at Elland Road.

The report claims that Newcastle already blocked similar approaches from other clubs for Wood in the summer. If they can secure a replacement for him, though, they might sanction his exit this time around.

Leeds return might raise questions for Chris Wood

Returning to Leeds would give Wood the chance to add to his previous 88 appearances and 44 goals for the club. However, he may have some bridges to rebuild with them after leaving in fairly controversial circumstances.

Wood quickly denied claims in 2017 that he refused to play for Leeds prior to his exit for Burnley. Still, he would have to win his former fans over again.

It may all be hypothetical if Newcastle do not allow Wood to leave. However, it appears Leeds are weighing up whether to ask them for his services.

Wood’s contract with the Magpies is only due to run until the end of next season. Newcastle might be ahead of schedule in their evolution as a club, though, so he may end up being surplus to requirements.

At present, he is firmly behind Isak and Callum Wilson in the hierarchy Eddie Howe has chosen.

In theory, Wood might have more of a chance back in Leeds. Rodrigo has been in good form, but hasn’t always played as an out-and-out centre-forward. Bamford, meanwhile, looks like his best days are behind him.

Wood’s last full season with Leeds brought 30 goals. Therefore, if he can replicate that form, he would be useful to Jesse Marsch.

The question is how achievable that would be for a player who has only scored four times at club level in 2022.

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