Transfer Betting: Newcastle confirm Wood deal with more arrivals odds-on

Newcastle have completed the signing the Burnley striker Chris Wood but the betting indicates that the deal won’t be the end of the Magpies’ activity in this transfer window.

Wood has become the second signing of the Saudi era at St James’ Park after Kieran Trippier joined from Atletico Madrid last week.

Lille defender Sven Botman 4/11, Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell 8/11 and striker Hugo Ekitike 10/11, who plays for Reims, have all been backed to sign before the window closes on 3 February.

It was reported that Newcastle are struggling to persuade Lille to sell Botman, so that may be a bet to avoid.

James Tarkowski 2/1, meanwhile, has been linked with January move from Burnley to Newcastle for months.

Wood signing a blow to Magpies’ relegation rivals

The England defender Trippier is a star acquisition but the signing of Wood is a signal that Eddie Howe is bringing in players with the club’s current relegation battle in mind.

Wood is a seasoned campaigner whose goals have helped keep Burnley in the top flight since his arrival in 2017 and, in signing him, Newcastle strengthen their ranks at the same time as weakening a direct opponent.

Newcastle are 19th in the Premier League and 2.3611/8 for relegation on the Exchange. They are level on points with 18th-placed Burnley 1.635/8, although Sean Dyche’s side have two games in hand.

Those odds indicate bettors think Newcastle’s signings can help them avoid the drop. And yet they have still won just one match all season.

Martial 50/50 to lead United exodus with Newcastle move

Anthony Martial is even odds to sign for Newcastle this window as rumours continue to circulate about a Manchester United exodus.

The French forward has made it clear that he wants to leave Manchester United and Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov thinks a move would make sense for the player.

Martial shouldn’t be short of offers, however, and a move to Sevilla is also rated 50/50. Julien Lopetegui’s men are second in La Liga so in footballing terms, the choice betwen a Spanish title race or English relegation battle shouldn’t be a difficult one, except that Newcastle can offer Martial a fortune in wages.

Donny van de Beek could also leave United with Everton 7/2, who are in the process of selling Lucas Digne to Aston Villa, believed to be his most likely destination.

Jesse Lingard is 5/4 to return to West Ham on a permanent deal in this window, although there have been rumours in recent days that Tottenham 9/2 would like to sign the energetic midfielder in the summer.

Newcastle 11/4 may also be interested in this window.