Newcastle United may be forced into an unexpected hunt for more attacking firepower as Chris Wood edges closer to securing a move to Nottingham Forest. The Magpies are yet to show their hand in the January window but have scoured far and wide for potential targets in several positions in recent weeks.
An extra midfield body and backup in the full-back areas has been the focus of late but should Wood join Forest as expected, Eddie Howe's side suddenly look short up front once again. The former Burnley striker hasn't enjoyed the easiest of rides on Tyneside since his £25m move 12 months ago but wasn't at the top of the list to leave this month.
However, Forest have been forced to move quickly after summer signing Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a groin problem that will leave him sidelined for months. The Nigerian forward was substituted with 20 minutes to go against Southampton earlier this month after scoring what turned out to be the winner but initial positivity regarding his fitness have been dampened after scan results.
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Forest boss Steve Cooper has wasted no time seeking out a replacement, with Wood viewed as the ideal candidate to bring in as short-term cover. The newly-promoted side want the Newcastle forward brought in on an initial loan deal before potentially making the switch permanent in the summer.
Wood recently told Chronicle Live he wanted to stay and fight for his place at Newcastle, admitting he saw his long-term future at St James' Park. However, the return of Alexander Isak has meant a demotion in the pecking order.
Howe will want assurances of attacking cover should Wood move to the City Ground, with the Magpies suddenly looking short in attack. Plenty of forward targets were pursued in the summer but suddenly look to be off the table mid-season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a player Newcastle admired in the last transfer window but with Everton in turmoil on and off the pitch, it is hard to see them sanctioning a deal unless Howe's men offer a substantial fee.
Watford attacker Joao Pedro is another striker Howe wanted to sign before the season began before the Brazilian signed a new deal at Vicarage Road. Pedro recently suffered ligament damage in his ankle and is expected to be missing for a significant amount of what remains in the 2022/23 season.
Armando Broja is another striker currently on the sidelines after Newcastle's interest over the summer. The Chelsea forward suffered a serious knee injury during a friendly in December and is facing a long spell on the treatment table.
Newcastle may want an experienced head to replace Wood but players will be aware they face a significant battle to earn a first-team role ahead of Isak and Callum Wilson. Sporting director Dan Ashworth recently admitted signing 'here and now' players wasn't sustainable for Newcastle in the long-term, as the club switches its attention to stars for the future.
The arrival of Garang Kuol proves Newcastle want to poach the best and brightest young talent, nurturing them until they can mix it with the senior side. A young addition this month may be the answer to the Magpies' lack of depth in attack.
Newcastle are one of the clubs watching Youssoufa Moukoko and his situation at Borussia Dortmund. The German club have issued an ultimatum to the 18-year-old sensation as he ponders whether to extend his deal at Signal Iduna Park.
Moukoko's raw talent means Newcastle are not the only suitors, with European behemoths and Premier League heavyweights also waiting with bated breath for his contract decision.
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