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Jeff Stelling makes Leeds transfer claim

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According to LeicestershireLive, Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has made a bold Leeds United transfer claim, should James Maddison leave for Newcastle in January.

Newcastle have been heavily linked with the Leicester number 10 in recent months, with Eddie Howe looking to boost his attacking options in the transfer window. Prompting the television presenter to speculate on the future of former whites forward, Chris Wood. It is no secret that Jesse Marsch is in the hunt for a striker and the New Zealander has been the subject of speculation linking Leeds with the 31-year-old.

Chris Wood left Leeds United for Burnley in 2017 after 88 appearances for the West Yorkshire club, scoring 44 goals. He spent five years in Lancashire before moving to Newcastle earlier this year in a £20m deal. He has since struggled to gain a real run in Eddie Howe’s side, having featured 32 times, scoring 4 goals, leading to speculation of a move away. It is worth remembering Newcastle had bids of around £20m rejected for Jack Harrison in the summer and it’s still a possibility Eddie Howe could reignite that interest in January, with Chris Wood being used as leverage for the Leeds winger.

Jeff Stelling, speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special, said, “For something like that to happen (Newcastle signing Maddison), players would have to leave St James’ Park.”

“There is speculation that Chris Wood might be deemed to be excess baggage, which is an unfair phrase because he has been terrific for them and then maybe allowed to go to Leeds on loan.”

Leeds fans won’t be filled with enthusiasm at the prospect of signing the former striker, but Chris Wood would be a decent option for Marsch. Especially if the Whites can pick him up on a short-term deal or a loan until the end of the season. January is notoriously hard to sign players with clubs hoping to keep hold of their assets, but equally, it is going to be a very important month for Leeds to bring in some additions in key areas.

The Whites will be hoping to bring in at least three or four new players with the striker and left-back positions as the most urgent.

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