Nottingham Forest have already triggered an obligation to turn Chris Wood’s loan move from Newcastle United into a permanent transfer, according to reports.
The experienced striker joined the Reds just before the end of the January transfer window with a conditional obligation to buy in the summer based on appearances made. And according to The Times, that clause would be triggered if Wood made just three starts, which he has already done in the games against Bournemouth, Leeds United and Fulham.
As a result, the Reds will reportedly pay Newcastle £15million for the 31-year-old, who will sign a one-year contract. Wood cost the Magpies £25million when he arrived from Burnley in the 2022 January window.
READ MORE: Forest 'signal' £17m summer bid for in-demand teenager
READ MORE: Forest notebook: Cooper's 'special' hope, painful stat, goalkeeper stance
Worrall challenge
Head coach Steve Cooper will continue to “challenge and criticise” to help get the best out of Joe Worrall as the Nottingham Forest defender looks set for a run in the starting XI.
The Reds skipper has been in and out of the first-team this season as Cooper has tried various combinations at centre-back. Like most of his teammates, he has also had a fair few ups and downs while adapting to the step up to the Premier League.
The 26-year-old is now likely to get an extended run in the side, however, as Forest cope with a defensive injury crisis. And Cooper believes that will be of benefit when it comes to the challenges which come with playing in the top-flight.
"It's definitely about belief. I speak to Joe every day - or he speaks to me! But I had a good chat with him,” said the Welshman.
Guardiola's verdict
Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Nottingham Forest and the supporters who pack the City Ground for home games.
The Man City boss has spoken to the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, where he also spoke about Steve Cooper and the work he has done at Forest both this season and last.
Forest host Guardiola's men at the City Ground on Saturday (3pm), as the league leaders look to put space between themselves and Arsenal at the top of the table.
Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola said: "Arsenal have one game in hand. Nothing changed much. We're just thinking about Nottingham Forest.
Warnock's rant
Huddersfield Town were "stitched up" in last season's play-off final against Nottingham Forest, Neil Warnock has said.
The Terriers felt aggrieved as they had two strong appeals for penalties dismissed during the game, which Forest went on to win 1-0 - earning long-awaited promotion back to the Premier League.
Warnock, who this week took charge of Huddersfield on a short-term deal, spoke about the match in his pre-match press conference this week as he prepares his team to face Birmingham City in the Championship.
“I felt a little bit sorry for Huddersfield, if I’m honest, last year,” Warnock told reporters. “They got stitched up in the play-off final by my friends (the officials) – we won’t go into names, though, will we? The two penalties, dear me."
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