COSTLY CLARET MAY STILL TURN SOUR
SO Newcastle did have inside knowledge when pursuing Chris Wood. A move that appeared doomed — why would Burnley sell, weaken themselves and strengthen a rival? — turned out to be a sure thing because Wood’s agents, CAA Base, had tipped off Newcastle about his £25million release clause when they did Kieran Trippier’s deal. And kicking down at Burnley makes perfect sense. Yet it isn’t Burnley who Newcastle need to finish above. It’s Watford, or Leeds, maybe Everton, even Brentford. Burnley and Norwich dropping doesn’t necessarily save Newcastle. And does Wood? He’s scored three goals all season, the last on November 20. The man he is covering for, Callum Wilson, has double that in four fewer league starts. The final game of the season sees Newcastle at Turf Moor. It will be interesting to note where Wood has taken his new club by then.