The 30-year-old New Zealand striker has signed for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in excess of Stg20 million ($A37.5m), on a two-and-a-half year-contract and could make his debut in Saturday's showdown with fellow strugglers Watford at St James' Park.

"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," Magpies manager Eddie Howe told the club's website.

"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, who has played for Leicester City and Leeds United among other clubs, moves to Newcastle after four-and-a-half years at Burnley, during which time he scored 49 goals in 144 Premier League appearances.

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

"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."

Second-from-bottom Newcastle, who were taken over by Saudi Arabian owners in October, last week boosted their squad by signing England fullback Kieran Trippier from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Australian Associated Press