Chris Wood shoots down January transfer talk and says…

Chris Wood shoots down January transfer talk and says he is 'committed' to Newcastle despite Leeds talk

Chris Wood has knocked back suggestions he is set for a January move and insists he is "committed" to Newcastle United.

The New Zealand striker has already been linked with a move to Leeds United but made it clear he is focused firmly on life at St James' Park. Wood will reach his one-year anniversary of signing for Newcastle in January after making the £25million move from Burnley.

His current deal runs out in 2024, and he is determined to see it through. Wood has started just two Premier League matches this season but is not making a fuss about his lack of game-time.

When asked if he wanted to see his contract out, Wood told the Chronicle Live: "100% - especially with the way the clubs is going, I'd love to be here long-term. Or even longer than I will be.

"I still believe I have a big part to play here. I have not shown my best football here yet but hopefully I can do that given the chance. If not I am here to support the club and push them in the right direction. I am committed here and want to be here. I have played in every game expect one.

"Whatever capacity it is, I want to be here and help the manager. Whichever sees fit, if it's five minutes and seeing a game out, I am here to do it, work hard and press. If it's starting the game, scoring goals and working hard, I'm here to do that. My future is definitely here."

Wood, shrewdly, also has an eye on the bigger picture and knows that he may get more opportunities to start if the Magpies qualify for Europe. The 33-goal international striker dreams about playing in Continental competition.

Wood reflected: "If that (Europe) is the case next season and there are more opportunities, it's going to be great. We have a squad already of 25 great players already.

"And that's what you need going into a European campaign. That's a long half-season away for now and it is about focusing on and making sure we are ready for these games.

"The near-term future is what could make or break it for us. We need to get back to form and back to what we were doing straight away, if we can we have a great chance of staying there for the rest of the season."

Wood is expected to lead the line against AFC Bournemouth in the League Cup tonight with Callum Wilson coming back from a strain and Alexander Isak ruled out.

The striker added: "It'll be very good as it's a proper competitive game. When you play a last friendly it's always just OK. It's not like a Premier League game but that Bournemouth game will be heavy especially with the rivalry with the two clubs and the manager used to be there, things like that. But it will be good and a great ice breaker for Leicester."

Chris Wood shoots down January transfer talk and says he is 'committed' to Newcastle despite Leeds talk

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