Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe plans to keep Chris Wood

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Newcastle United will reportedly keep Chris Wood at the club during the January transfer window, and have no plans to let him leave.

That is according to the Telegraph, who claim that the Toon hierarchy do not want to lose the 30-year-old striker next month.

Wood was linked with a move away during the summer, having failed to bang in the goals since his £25million move to St James’ Park.

But he has had an important role, and played very well last season in the absence of Callum Wilson.

He is even further down the pecking order now after the arrival of Alexander Isak, and has been limited to four starts in all competitions. The New Zealander has scored two goals, equalling his Toon tally from last season.

Despite not scoring many goals and being third choice striker, Eddie Howe wants to keep Wood at St James’ Park. And luckily for Howe, Wood feels the same.

Chris Wood wants to stay at Newcastle

The Telegraph add that the former Burnley striker has expressed how happy he is behind the scenes at Newcastle, where he is a ‘popular member of the dressing room’.

That doesn’t come as a surprise. You can see the joy from the whole team when Wood finds the net. It was evident last season after he netted his first goal against Southampton and he was met with loud cheers in the dressing room after the final whistle.

With Newcastle wanting to keep him and Wood keen to stay, it looks like the Magpies’ number 20 is going nowhere at the start of 2023.

Wood wanting to stay speaks highly of the morale behind the scenes at the club. He doesn’t play every week, but he still wants to be part of this group and continue on this journey.

It is a stark contrast to Ryan Fraser, who is reportedly frustrated and wants to leave next month. But each situation is different, and it is understandable that the Scotland international is seeking a move away.

But for Wood, he sees his immediate future at St James’ Park. That will delight Howe, as that’s where he wants the forward to be as well.