Football Insider pundit Tam McManus doesn’t think Leeds United will be able to sign Newcastle United forward Chris Wood.

The Lowdown: Wood rumours

It seems as if Victor Orta is on the hunt to sign a striker in the New Year to bolster Jesse Marsch’s squad.

A reunion with Wood has been mentioned, with reports citing a possible loan swoop for the New Zealand international to provide an alternative to Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford.

Wood appears to have fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, starting just twice in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: McManus’ comments

Talking to FI regarding Wood possibly re-joining Leeds, McManus said that the striker would probably be first choice at Elland Road but doesn’t think the Magpies will part way with the forward.

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“On the face of it, it’s a deal that works for everyone.

“Wood would go down to Leeds and probably be the first-choice striker there. Bamford is never fit these days.

“They have some very quick, young attackers there and Wood could just sit in there and hold it up, it could work really well.

“That being said, Wood has spent his entire career fighting in relegation fights. Now he is at a club that is going places.

“Newcastle are fighting at the top of the table and that must be a nice change for Wood. He looks settled in Newcastle.

“He will be getting a great wage and he is usually good for a goal if you really need him.

“This might come as a surprise but I don’t see Newcastle selling him.”

The Verdict: Makes sense?

McManus also said that a deal could work for everyone, and it does seem to make sense from the outside looking in. Bamford has struggled for form and fitness in 2022, something which has put plenty of pressure on Rodrigo, who has netted nine times so far this season.

However, Wood, who has scored 191 goals during his career, would give Marsch a different option in attack and something that could prove valuable in the second half of the season as the club look to avoid another relegation battle.