By Pranav Shahaney

7th Dec, 2022 | 1:40pm

Newcastle stance emerges as Leeds United linked with January transfer for Chris Wood

Newcastle have reportedly played down suggestions of striker Chris Wood joining Leeds United over the January transfer window.

According to the Chronicle [7 December], there were links of the Whites wanting to sign him, but there does not seem to be much in it.

Newcastle, however, have continued to be linked with Benfica star Goncalo Ramos despite signing Alexander Isak in the summer.

Not the right fit

We’re baffled as to why Leeds would even consider a move for the 31-year-old striker as he’s unlike any striker they’ve brought in over the last four seasons.

Wood is mainly a target man who likes the ball played to him inside the box and he’s a good option for teams that play direct football and on the counter.

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Leeds like to control possession as much as they can and prefer to press the opposition immediately after losing the ball rather than sitting deep in a shape.

The New Zealand striker did well for a club like Burnley who played exactly to his strengths but Jesse Marsch plays a completely different brand of football.

He’s struggled to shine under Eddie Howe as well as the Newcastle boss likes to dictate tempo and play a high-energy game.

The Toons are likely to sell Wood if they get a good offer, but we’re hoping that the Whites aren’t the team that pays up money for a club owned by the billionaire Saudi owners.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are now scouting an attacker at the World Cup and a January move appears to be on the cards for them.