Newcastle United dealt double January transfer blow as Premier League rivals hold firm despite interest
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Any Newcastle United moves for Chris Wood and James Tarkowski in January will be rebuffed by Burnley, NewcastleWorld has learned.
Reports over the weekend surfaced suggesting the Magpies would look to New Zealand international Wood to spearhead their charge towards Premier League safety in the second half of the season, with top-scorer Callum Wilson set to miss the next eight weeks.
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Hide AdHowever, it’s understood the Clarets have no intention of entertaining bids for Wood, who is seen as a crucial part of Sean Dyche’s side as Burnley look to guide themselves to top flight safety.
Wood has netted double figures for the club in each of the last four campaigns.
Interestingly, he picked up a groin problem in Burnley’s 2-1 FA Cup third round loss to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Lack of striking options underlined in cup exit
United’s need to sign a striker was underlined as they drew a blank at home to Cambridge at the weekend. The Magpies were subject to a giant-killing as they were dumped out of the competition by the U’s, thanks to a 1-0 reverse at the hands of the League One outfit.
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Hide AdWhile Eddie Howe confirmed Wilson would be out for the next two months with a calf issue, suffered in the 1-1 home draw with Manchester United, Dwight Gayle was also absent from the matchday squad on Saturday. The frontman’s non-involvement was not explained by Howe.
With the pair out, United fielded wideman Allan Saint-Maximin as a central striker - and will have to do so again against Watford this weekend, should the club’s search for frontline recruits this week prove fruitless.
Hopes are high on defender deal
The club are understood to be looking to add at least two new players to their ranks before the visit of the Hornets on Saturday, with Lille’s Sven Botman one of the most likely to walk through the door.
Hope are high from within the club that a deal for the Netherlands international can be struck in the coming days.
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Hide AdUnited are also thought to be interested in Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell - and developments on this front are being watched with a keen eye by Magpies transfer chiefs.
Tarkowski ‘no go’
However, one player understood to be on Howe’s radar who is unlikely to arrive is Tarkowski.
While United would love to bring in the experienced Premier League performer, the Clarets are in no mood to sell any of their players to an immediate relegation rival.
It is thought, at this stage, the most likely outcome in the Tarkowski saga - the player’s contract is up at the end of the season - will see him walk away from Turf Moor as a free transfer in June.