Newcastle United 'target' £13m-rated ex-Leeds United striker - but face competition from Southampton

The 28-year-old Burnley striker scored 14 goals in 35 appearances for the club last season and has been attracting interest from their top flight rivals.

Both Newcastle and the Saints are keeping tabs on Wood, with reports in the Sunday Mirror that he could be available this summer for £13m.

Bolstering his striking options and goal return is one area Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce will be looking to improve upon in the summer transfer market and Wood has proved he can score in the top flight following his move from Leeds United three years ago, where he was also prolific in the second tier.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United continue to be heavily linked with a move for Wood’s former Burnley teammate, free agent Jeff Hendrick.

The Irishman left Burnley on June 30 – not staying at Turf Moor to see out the season - and is a player who has been on the Magpies’ radar for a number of months.

Fresh reports over the weekend claimed Newcastle were finally closing in on their man with suggestions a deal could be done as early as this week.

Newcastle have so far signed goalkeeper Mark Gillespie during the summer transfer window ahead of the return to training later this month with the new 2020-21 campaign set to start in September.