EXCLUSIVE
SURRENDER
Simon Jordan has been told Burnley are selling Chris Wood to Newcastle 'voluntarily' as his release clause doesn't come into effect until the summer.
The Magpies are closing in on a deal to sign the 30-year-old as they look to steer away from the Premier League relegation zone.
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Signing Wood is also likely to weaken Burnley, who are also in danger of going down.
It's widely reported that Burnley were ultimately left powerless by Newcastle activating his £20million release clause when putting in the bid.
However, fresh information Jordan has received suggests the Clarets are letting Wood go by choice and the talkSPORT pundit believes this is Burnley showing the white flag if this proves to be the case.
"It's just been brought to my attention that there's a possibility this release clause doesn't apply until the summer," Jordan told talkSPORT.
"If that's the case then that means Burnley have potentially sold him voluntarily rather than against their wishes.
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"They could be cashing in and preparing for relegation. I've always had grave concerns for this ownership model, about Alan Pace and his little gang and how they bought this football club.
"If that's the case, letting your player go to a relegation rival voluntarily, I don't know what that tells you. That's white flag territory unless they pull something out of the ether and show us what they're going to get is better than Chris Wood. Not a great one, is it?"
However, Neil Warnock believes this is a deal that can suit both clubs as Wood is a good player to have if Newcastle are playing in the Championship next season.
Warnock was keen to stress that it only becomes a good deal for Burnley if manager Sean Dyche is able to sign a replacement for Wood in January.
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"I feel it's a good deal for both clubs if Sean has got something lined up and is allowed to do it," Warnock told talkSPORT Breakfast.
"I think Chris needed a new challenge and he's the ideal player for Eddie Howe because you've not just got to think about Premier League survival but what happens if worst comes to worst and you need players who are going to roll their sleeves up and do it in the Championship. He definitely fits that bill, you'd have him in the trenches with you.
"I think it's a good signing for Newcastle. I only think it's good for Burnley if Sean has got the money and he's got someone lined up and he thinks he can get somebody."
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