Agbonlahor issues ‘big’ claim on Newcastle United selling Chris Wood amid £1.8m reveal
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Newcastle United to reject any offers for Chris Wood in the January transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted Newcastle need to keep a “big squad of players” and nobody will offer them enough for Wood to justify selling him.
The 31-year-old moved to St. James’ Park from Burnley in January for a £25million fee but has been reduced to a bit-part player this season.
Sources told Football Insider earlier this month (3 December) that Leeds United are considering a shock move for the big striker as they seek a proven alternative to Rodrigo Moreno and Patrick Bamford.
Wood is on £100,000-a-week at Newcastle and is set to earn a further £1.8million before his contract expires in the summer of 2024.
Asked whether the club could be tempted to cash in during the January transfer window, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “No, I don’t think so.
“Newcastle are at the stage where they will want to keep a big squad of players.
“Chris Wood came on and scored in their game against Southampton before the break.
“Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have injury problems.
“I don’t think there’s any need to sell him. For what you are going to get for him, why would you not just keep him?
“I don’t think selling him will be an option.”
Wood initially made his name in English football at Elland Road when he score 30 goals in the 2016-17 season before his move to Burnley.
The New Zealand international has played 16 times across all competitions for Newcastle this season, including just two Premier League starts.
In other news, a medical insider has claimed that Newcastle United should be “concerned” after the latest on Callum Wilson.