According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle were only made aware of a release clause in Chris Wood’s contract as they sealed a deal for Kieran Trippier, with the two players sharing the same agent.
This tip-off has proven to be pivotal, as it emerged on Tuesday night that the Burnley striker is now on his way to Tyneside and set for his medical after we activated the clause – which is £25, not £20m, according to the North-East reporter.
Elsewhere, the same report by Craig Hope claims that Torino vice captain Gleison Bremer is the latest centre-back being targeted by the club.
Like fellow target Diego Carlos – the Sevilla star we’re also looking to sign – Bremer is another Brazilian centre-back, with the report stating that the 24-year-old has emerged over the ‘past 24 hours’ as we step up our search for defensive recruits.
Here’s what Hope had to say, revealing how Trippier’s arrival helped us discover Wood’s release clause and claiming that Bremer is the latest centre-back being looked at:
‘The two players share the same agency – CAA Base – and it is understood Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley and head coach Eddie Howe were alerted to the availability of Wood during the completion of the Trippier deal.
‘Attention will now turn to a centre-half and one name mentioned to us in the past 24 hours is Torino’s Gleison Bremer, a 24-year-old Brazilian also attracting interest from Inter Milan.‘
£25m may seem a bit steep for a 30-year-old forward who has only managed three goals for Burnley so far this season, however he’s got into double figures in each of his last four campaigns for the Clarets.
At the end of the day, it will be money very well spent if he keeps us up at Burnley’s expense, with Sean Dyche said to be ‘livid’ that his star striker is set to leave Turf Moor for their relegation rivals on Tyneside.
As for Bremer, Torino-based outlet Corriere Granata have since claimed that Newcastle have had a €30m bid rejected for the 24-year-old, suggesting he may well be a serious target.
Another one to watch!
Looks like we are preparing for the Championship, Wood and Gayle both proven at that level!
Joseph(Quote)
Odd take when Wood is arguably more proven in the Premier League.
He is one of very few current PL players who have got into double figures in each of their last four league seasons…
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Olly:
Is a double figure in the last four seasons striker Wood, the type to take us forward in the Premiere League?
Seems like stop gap panic buy to me.
Joseph(Quote)
Joseph get in the real world its a good solid sensible signing for where we are you know that relegation battle wish we had him last Saturday be in 4th round now and he’s experienced in prem which is what we need
Darren Bebb(Quote)
Darren Bibb:
Blessing in disguise we are not in the 4th round, everything has to be given in 19 games just to stay up!
Still believe he is a panic buy, perhaps forced on us in a tricky window.
Joseph(Quote)