Newcastle United told to pull Chris Wood U-turn as offers readied – expert
Noel Whelan has insisted Newcastle United should only let Chris Wood depart in January if they can secure a like-for-like replacement.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 31-year-old brings a “completely different skill set” than Magpies stars Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.
According to The Athletic (18 December), Wood is “unlikely” to feature in the “ambitious” future plans at Newcastle as they target Champions League qualification.
The report claims the Magpies rejected loan and permanent bids for the striker during the summer window and are anticipating more offers in the mid-season window.
Wood has started just two Premier League games this season and scored in the 4-1 rout of Southampton just before the World Cup.
He started back-to-back friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano during the mid-season break.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think when you’ve got a squad who are doing so well, you’ve got to try and keep them together.
“I’d be very reluctant to let anyone leave that group.
“He brings a completely different skill set to what Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak bring to the table.
“To cover your back and to stay in the race in all competitions – you need bodies and you need options in all areas.
“There may be interest, but I’m only expecting them to let him go if there is someone else coming in January.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Newcastle move to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk after PiF green light.