Nottingham Forest are closing in on a move for Newcastle United striker Chris Wood.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that the New Zealand international is having a medical with the Reds ahead of a transfer to the City Ground. Wood was only signed for Newcastle a year ago for around £25 million, when Howe's men activated a clause in his contract with fellow relegation battlers Burnley to sign him.
The 31 year-old scored twice for Newcastle last season but it was his hold-up play and linking with team-mates that helped Howe's side rally to finish last season in mid-table. Now the Magpies head coach has opened up on Wood's move to the Reds, who will hope to get the deal done by Friday's noon deadline so he can face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
Read more: Pundits disagree over Forest vs Bournemouth prediction as relegation point made
Read more: Forest receive Wood transfer response as key details emerge
Here's the latest on a Reds move for Wood...
What Howe said
“I think Chris is having a medical with Nottingham Forest," Howe said. "That’s the situation. Chris has been a huge player for us, I have to say he has been outstanding, in every way.
“When we signed him we were in a very difficult league position. He played a huge part on the pitch and helped transform the team. Then this season he has been excellent on and off the pitch when he’s not played.
“We can’t underestimate the role has played. It was a difficult decision because you have to take into account the player and his wishes. But also I think it’s a very good deal financially for the football club."
Where he will fit among Forest strikers
With less than a fortnight of the transfer window to go, it looks like being a busier second half of the month for Forest.
So far, the Reds have added Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo to their squad, with Loic Bade the only player heading in the opposite direction as his loan was cut short. As a mounting injury list continues to impact the club’s transfer plans, further additions are on the cards before the deadline, while the number of absentees means there is currently a reluctance to let players go.
Read Sarah Clapson's squad depth analysis HERE
What Forest fans are saying
honestmo - A loan would be a decent deal. Some more strength up top to interchange with Taiwo. Wonder if this means we're not pursuing Danjuma any further.
James Forest (@Forest3James) - Yes, just what we need imo. A striker who can hold up the ball and bring our dangermen up the pitch and into the games. Also will chip in with goals and a threat at set pieces. Takes some pressure off Awoniyi.
Cesari - Think we could and should do better than Wood. He would on however, add something different to what we currently have.
Dave Ball (@d_p_ball) - I trust the manager who’s performing miracles for our club. If he wants them then we should back them because with all the injuries it’s imperative we find the same next man up and us vs the world attitude that got us promoted to survive this first season back and build.
@NFFC_Reports - I understand we need a striker, but is he really the main man to score goals?
Ben Porter (@x_Bp7_x ) - Awoniyi is out for the season so we need a hold up player and Wood could be a good option.
Mike...nffc (@nffcalways1) - Wouldn’t be my choice but Cooper usually gets it right so we’ll see, not sure he’ll be the only forward we bring in though.
Dom (@domnappo) - Not bad for a loan, too old to buy.
AQ1865 (@aq1865) - I can't understand the negative comments. Signed for £25m a year ago by NUFC. One of the reasons they stayed up. We are missing a Keinan Davis type player. One who holds the ball up and brings others into play. It's a loan. Cooper wants him. That's absolutely fine by me. COYR!!
Sam Crawford (@s_redmist) - We now need to give some serious attention to bringing in a striker in this window. I don't hate the idea of Chris Wood in all honesty, he'd give us that physical presence up top.
TalkForest (@talkforest1) - What a signing Chris Wood will be, look what he did at Newcastle last season when he signed in January, for me it’s a top signing and clever as it’s only a loan.
James (@jtweets92) - Chris Wood isn’t a mind blowing signing but he would offer us a bit of muscle up top. Without Awoniyi we are very lightweight.
Cornish Jack (@) - Chris Wood will do nothing special, but he will see us through games, hold up play, win us free kicks, the boring stuff that will hopefully keep us up.
What Newcastle fans are saying
@JakeJackmann: Makes no sense unless we are buying an attacker.
@SamTooon: I’d only let wood go if we replace him.
@Dfozzy1970: He done what he was bought to do (keep us up). No time for sentiment, if he has to move now we can afford better, then cheerio old bean. Same applies to several others taking vital squad room up
@Pardiola__: I’m all for Chris Wood going but surely we sign a replacement. Isak just coming back and Wilson struggling
@DavyBaty81: It’s the right move to let wood go, done his job for us, means we'll get a striker/wide forward on loan
@DazGraham85: I hope the story of Wood going out on loan is true (hopefully with an option) good signing in the moment but think we’re past his ability as long as someone is in before he leaves!
@ScoutNUFC: I'm sure Wood wants to play and we can't begrudge him that, but Howe has said he wants to keep him and we're still limited up front. Surely this is a no-goer?
Would you like Forest to sign Chris Wood? Let us know in the comments section...
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