NEWCASTLE United have completed the signing of Burnley striker Chris Wood having met his £25 million release clause earlier this week.

The 30-year-old New Zealand international underwent a medical at the club yesterday after the Magpies met a £25 million release clause in his contract and has signed a two-and-a-half year contract.

It’s understood Eddie Howe and the club were keen to push the move through in time for Wood to be available for this weekend’s game against Watford.

The search for a striker was given added urgency following the news Callum Wilson has been sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Wood said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for me and I'm delighted to be a Newcastle United player.

"I have played at St. James' Park a few times and it's an amazing place, so to have the chance to represent this club with those incredible supporters behind me and my team-mates is very special.

"The club and manager have been first class during this process, and I really can't wait to get onto the pitch and repay the faith they have in me, especially with a vital part of the season ahead of us."

Wood had eighteen months left on his current deal at the Clarets and the Burnley staff are understood to be furious that a deal has been struck with Wood keen to move to Tyneside.

He’s scored 64 goals in 157 senior appearances for Burnley since joining them from Leeds United in 2017 but now looks set to be signing for a direct relegation rival in the Premier League.

Howe said: "Chris is an important signing for us at a crucial time and I'm very pleased we have been able to move quickly and bring him here.

"He is a very dangerous attacking threat, has a physicality and character that I really like, and he has vast experience in the Premier League. He will be a great fit for us."

Wood becomes Newcastle United’s second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of England full-back Kieran Tripper who completed a £12 million move from Atletico Madrid last week. The move is another clear indicator of the ambition set by the club’s new owners as they look to steer the club away from Premier League relegation.