An exciting update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's pursuit of Burnley striker Chris Wood...

What's the talk?

The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has dropped an intriguing claim on the forward's availability for a transfer this month, whilst confirming that the Magpies are pursuing the Clarets centre-forward.

He tweeted: "Oooooohhh hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause in his contract. Haven’t had it confirmed yet but that would explain why #nufc have pursued it when it didn’t immediately make much sense given Burnley would be selling to a relegation rival. More to follow? Perhaps."

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news, as it seemingly puts the power in the club's hands to complete a deal for Wood.

Burnley are one place above them in the Premier League table and could be reluctant to sell to Eddie Howe's side, as it would weaken them and strengthen a direct rival. This means that a transfer on their terms would be extremely unlikely, and one not worth pursuing for the Magpies.

However, this claim from Edwards suggests that Burnley might have no say on the matter. If Newcastle trigger his release clause, they would simply need to convince Wood to make the switch, rather than needing to negotiate a fee with their rivals for his services.

This is why fans will be delighted with the update, and they will also be buzzing as the striker could be an excellent addition to their squad. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer, netting 50 times at that level, and Newcastle are desperately lacking players who can find the net regularly.

Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are the only Magpies players who have scored more than once in the league this season, whilst Wood has scored 10 or more goals in four separate seasons for Burnley. He has also won 5.5 aerial battles per game this term, which shows that he could offer Howe a physical presence at the top end of the pitch from which team-mates could benefit.

Therefore, he could be a great signing, as he could come in and provide an additional goal threat in the second half of the campaign. If he can come in and reproduce the level of goalscoring he has shown at this level for Burnley, he could win some valuable points for the Magpies and be adored by the Toon Army if he is able to help keep the team in the Premier League.

AND in other news, "We understand": Keith Downie drops big NUFC transfer claim that'll leave fans gutted...