The tight Premier League deadline Newcastle United must meet IF Chris Wood is to play against Watford

Newcastle United hope to have Chris Wood available for Saturday’s Premier League relegation six-pointer with Watford.

Following the shock FA Cup third round defeat to League One side Cambridge United, the urgency for new recruits was reinforced ahead of the Hornets’ visit to St James’ Park this weekend.

With top scorer Callum Wilson out for two months, Eddie Howe’s side have turned to Burnley striker Wood, who is in the process of completing his move Tyneside, to fill the goalscoring void.

When must Newcastle register Wood by in order for him to be available to play versus Watford? NewcastleWorld explains:

What is the deadline?

Paperwork would need to be completed by noon of the previous working day.

So, that means Thursday for Friday night matches and Friday for all weekend and Monday matches.

Rule U.23. in the Premier League Handbook states:

“Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match).

Newcastle welcome Watford to Tyneside on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

What deals are Newcastle hoping to strike before Watford?

Ideally, Newcastle want to sign a striker and a central defender before the Watford game, and it appears the former will be achieved should Wood’s move be finalised in time.

Talks have been held over signing Reims wonderkid Hugo Ekitike but no transfer has yet been agreed. Meanwhile, although United’s push to land Sven Botman is not over, the reluctance of Lille to sell their title-winning defender is unlikely to see a deal struck any time soon.