It was strongly debated who was the better striker in the Sky Bet Championship last season, Dwight Gayle or Chris Wood, with both players in exceptional form for their respective clubs, Newcastle United and Leeds United.

Gayle’s 23 goals helped Newcastle to the Championship title, whilst Wood’s 27 goals were the driving force behind Leeds’ push for a place in the play-offs.

Leeds fell short in their quest for a top-six finish despite Wood’s heroics, and both club and player are now facing another season outside the Premier League.

Rafa Benitez is preparing Newcastle for their top-flight return, and will be looking to add another striker to his armoury this summer, after the Magpies were reliant on Gayle in the Championship last season.

After such a successful 2016/17 season, it would cost Newcastle an awful lot of money, but Benitez should seriously consider a move for Wood over the summer, brining the New Zealand international to the North-East to compete with Gayle and maybe even partner him on occasion.

Wood scored 27 league goals last season, and 30 across all competitions, becoming just the sixth player in Leeds’ history to achieve that feat – showing the calibre of striker he is.

The 25-year old excelled in the Leeds side, that did not have the creative players that Newcastle’s squad possess, and players like Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie could make Wood even more dangerous than he already is.

After nearly 12-months of debating who was better out of Gayle and Wood, Benitez should consider settling the argument by putting the duo together at St James’ Park next season.