Chris Wood signs for Newcastle United! When will he make his debut? What squad number is he?

Newcastle United have confirmed Chris Wood as their second signing of the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old joins from Premier League relegation rivals Burnley on a two-and-a-half-year contract after the Magpies activated his release clause - believed to be £25million.

Bringing in a striker had become a major priority for Eddie Howe & Co, particularly ahead of Saturday’s six-pointer with Watford, with Callum Wilson sidelined for the next two months.

United have turned to Wood, a New Zealand international, who carries a strong English top-flight goal record of 49 goals in 144 appearances.

What did Chris Wood say about signing?

Wood said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for me and I’m delighted to be a Newcastle United player.

“I have played at St. James’ Park a few times and it’s an amazing place, so to have the chance to represent this club with those incredible supporters behind me and my teammates is very special.

“The club and manager have been first class during this process, and I really can’t wait to get onto the pitch and repay the faith they have in me, especially with a vital part of the season ahead of us.”

And what about Eddie Howe?

Howe added: “Chris is an important signing for us at a crucial time and I’m very pleased we have been able to move quickly and bring him here.

“He is a very dangerous attacking threat, has a physicality and character that I really like, and he has vast experience in the Premier League. He will be a great fit for us.”

What shirt number will Chris Wood wear?

Wood will wear the number 20 shirt, the first number he wore for his country.

The striker was Burnley’s number nine, however that is taken by Callum Wilson at Newcastle United.

When could Chris Wood make his debut?

Wood was forced off with a groin injury in Burnley’s FA Cup exit to Huddersfield Town last Saturday.

However, he is expected to be available for selection when Watford visit St James’ Park this weekend.

Why is Chris Wood a signing for Newcastle?

It might not be a glamour name as such but one look at his goal record in the Premier League tells you it is a smart piece of business by United.

Wood, whilst averaging a goal every three games, has hit double figures in each of his last four top-flight seasons.

Only Harry Kane and Son of Tottenham, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane of Liverpool, Jamie Vardy of Leicester, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette of Arsenal, and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling have achieved in that time.

It significantly bolsters a Newcastle attack and weakens a direct relegation rival. That alone could be a deciding factor in Howe’s side staying up ahead of Burnley.

Interestingly, the two sides meet at Turf Moor on the final day of the campaign.