Everton have been urged to launch a January move for Newcastle United striker Chris Wood by former BBC radio pundit Noel Whelan.
The Lowdown: Wood linked with Newcastle exit
Earlier this month, it was reported that the New Zealand marksman could be on his way out of St James' Park in January, with fellow Premier League side Leeds United interested in signing him.
Having started in just two of his 14 league appearances for Newcastle this season, it's easy to see why Wood been linked with a January exit from Tyneside.
Despite the Toon striker being linked with a move to Elland Road, however, Everton have been urged to secure a deal for him ahead of the Yorkshire club.
The Latest: Everton urged to sign Wood
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan believes that Wood is a player who Everton need to bring in next month, which he feels is the ideal time for the Merseysiders to make their move considering the 31-year-old's peripheral role at Newcastle.
The 47-year-old said of Wood: "He’s a big step above [Salomon] Rondon. [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin is a player who thrives from that service from wide areas, and Chris Wood would be exactly the same.
"I do believe they need more quality in January. If Everton can get him at the right price, he’d be a welcome addition to this team.
"I think a deal like that would suit both parties. Newcastle had to sign him at the time, but they’re now looking for bigger and better players. This could be the right time for a club like Everton to get a good deal."
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The Verdict: A risk for Everton
With 191 goals throughout his career at club and international level, it's clear that Wood knows how to find the net.
However, having scored just once for Eddie Howe's side this season from his 14 league appearances, it could be a risk for the Toffees to sign the 31-year-old if they want him to hit the ground running and score on a regular basis.
His performances in the current Premier League campaign have earned the New Zealand international a rather underwhelming season rating of 6.24/10, making him one of the lowest-rated players at Newcastle to have started at least one game, according to WhoScored.
Taking all of that into account, even though Everton have one of the lowest rates of shots at goal per 90 minutes (10.47) in the top flight this season, a move for Wood may not be the most astute approach by the Toffees in January.