Leeds United have been dealt a potential blow in their reported pursuit of Newcastle United striker Chris Wood as he prepares to play a key role for the Magpies in the coming weeks. The Whites were linked with a move for Wood earlier this month ahead of the January transfer window which opens in just 12 days' time.
Wood started just twice in the Premier League for Newcastle in the opening 14 matches of the season ahead of the enforced World Cup break, but could be set for more involvement once domestic football resumes again this week. Newcastle host Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup last-16 on Tuesday, and Wood is set to be rewarded with a start.
Speaking after the friendly over Rayo Vallecano, manager Eddie Howe told ChronicleLive: "He is hugely important. I think you saw in the Chelsea game. He came in, and he was excellent that day. His tactical understanding was of the highest level.
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"I thought his performance (against Vallecano), especially in the first half, was very, very good. He took his penalty well. I think Chris is probably playing with a lot of confidence at the moment."
Newcastle will also be reluctant to let Wood leave after record signing Alexander Isak suffered a setback in his recovery from injury. Howe had been hoping for Isak's return on Boxing Day but the Sweden international is now set to be out until after the New Year.
Howe has also remained coy on the fitness of Callum Wilson following his return from the World Cup with England. Unlike his Three Lions team-mates Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope, Wilson was not involved against Vallecano at the weekend but the Newcastle boss refused to reveal why.
He said: "We've only seen Callum briefly [after the World Cup], but I don't want to give too much away."
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