Newcastle's £30m transfer near miss already hints at…

Newcastle's £30m transfer near miss already hints at ideal 'ready to play' profile to replace Wood

No matter where you stand on the Chris Wood debate, Newcastle United risk being left 'dangerously short' if the £25 million man is not replaced. The second signing of the Magpies new era has left on loan a year later, with conditions meaning a permanent sale to Nottingham Forest in the summer is a formality.

The club-record arrival of Alexander Isak combined with Callum Wilson's sustained form meant Wood was relegated to a third-choice option this term. However, ongoing injury concerns surrounding the remaining senior strikers means Newcastle must bring in a replacement in the next 10 days.

Given the Magpies' standing in the top-four race and with a place in the Carabao Cup final also at stake, Eddie Howe has warned the new recruit has to be 'ready to play'. Speaking hours before Wood's exit was confirmed, the head coach told reporters: "In our position, we have lost a player who played a lot of football for us, who was very reliable, who stayed fit and contributed.

"To then bring a player in who we can't use straight away would not make sense. Ideally, yes, we would bring in not necessarily Premier League experience, but someone who is ready to play now would be important."

Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton have both deputised in a central role under Howe, although both should only be viewed a stopgap solutions rather than viable alternatives. The Newcastle boss has outlined the requirements for the 'ideal' signing, and the profile of a summer deal that was cancelled at the 11th hour could tick the boxes once more.

Joao Pedro looked set to become the Magpies' latest attacking recruit in August, with reports indicating a £30 million agreement had been reached with relegated Watford. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insisted the deal was done, only for events to take a drastic turn within days.

Having previously explored a move for Isak, a setback for Wilson seemingly led Newcastle to commit to a move for their top target. The Sweden international signed, and the Magpies pulled away from the agreement for Pedro.

Now, there is no suggestion at this stage that Newcastle are considering revisiting a move for the 21-year-old. Since almost making the switch to St James' Park, Pedro has signed a new long-term contract with the Hornets and netted eight Championship goals.

It is also fair to say the goalposts may have moved when it comes to the Magpies' transfer shortlist in the intervening five months. Pedro may have been a target when expectations were being recalibrated, but it could well be the case that Howe and his transfer committee look elsewhere with an unexpected top-four finish at stake.

However, this previous interest suggests the Magpies will not move for a target-man replacement for Wood, and Howe seemingly confirmed as much in his latest press conference. Any incoming forward will have to have the required quality to lead the line for a team chasing Champions League football, while also being content to bide his time on the bench when Isak and Wilson are available for selection.

Pedro's attraction lay in his industrious displays and versatility, as well as the 'potential' sporting director Dan Ashworth now prioritises. With time on his side, the Brazilian was evidently keen to take his chance to develop with a big club with even bigger ambitions.

Pedro may no longer be the answer, but a promising forward equally capable of playing on the flanks or through the middle is what Newcastle now need. Wood's exit creates room for an exciting move, but time is undoubtedly against the Magpies in their search for a replacement with a very specific profile.

Newcastle's £30m transfer near miss already hints at ideal 'ready to play' profile to replace Wood

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