Leeds United may be presented with the opportunity to sign Newcastle United striker Chris Wood on loan next month, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a return to his former club, and Jacobs is refusing to rule it out.

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Leeds transfer news - Chris Wood

Football Insider claimed earlier this month that Leeds are weighing up a January bid for Wood as they look to bring in an alternative to Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo.

The New Zealand international has not made too many starts in the Premier League this season, recording just two so far, as per Transfermarkt.

However, manager Eddie Howe still views him as an important member of the team.

“He’s been hugely important,” the Magpies boss was recently quoted as saying by The Athletic. "I think you saw it in the Chelsea game when he came in, and I thought he was excellent that day. His tactical understanding is of the highest level, as it was against Rayo Vallecano."

What has Ben Jacobs said about Chris Wood and Leeds?

While Jacobs doubts Leeds want to sign Wood permanently, he can see them bringing him to Elland Road on loan.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "I wouldn't rule out Chris Wood, former Leeds, of course. He's not getting much game time at Newcastle United at the moment.

"Newcastle are still looking at goalscorers and creative-minded options. I don't think Leeds would want to sign Wood on a permanent deal, but there might be a loan opportunity there, so that's one to just keep an eye on."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Chris Wood's stats for Newcastle and Burnley

While Wood has not been too prolific for Newcastle, scoring just four times for them so far, his record at Burnley was not the worst. As per Transfermarkt, he registered 53 goals in 165 appearances for the Clarets.

He also has a lot of Premier League experience from his time playing at Turf Moor, possibly explaining why the Magpies were happy to stump up £25m for a 30-year-old last January, as reported by BBC Sport.

For Gary Neville, despite not being the most prolific No.9 in the division, Wood was a good addition to Newcastle.

"That fixed presence, I don’t think Newcastle have had that for a few years whereby they’ve got someone to be able to play up to," he said on The Gary Neville Podcast last season. "Yes, he’s not going to score a great amount of goals. I don’t really care about that to be honest with you."

The Manchester United legend later went on to add: “I think Wood’s a really good signing. It’s reliable. It’s what was needed.”

As a squad player, then, perhaps Wood could be a decent option for Jesse Marsch to have at Leeds.

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