Chris Wood set to join Nottingham Forest

Newcastle United striker Chris Wood will join Nottingham Forest on loan with an obligation to buy.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chris Wood is joining Nottingham Forest on loan from Newcastle United. The deal would include an obligation to make the move permanent. Manager Eddie Howe has given the green light to the exit, with the 31-year-old also reported to be keen on joining Steve Cooper’s side and helping them in their battle for top-flight survival in the remainder of the season.

The New Zealand international only joined the Magpies 12 months ago from then-relegation rivals Burnley in a £25 million move. Outsiders were critical of the transfer cost, terming it a “powerplay” and needless. But in the short term, Wood’s move to St. James’ Park was a hit.

Wood’s arrival coincided with Newcastle United’s ascension out of the relegation zone last season, as he started 15 of the last 18 games, in which Eddie Howe’s team collected an astonishing 38 points.

Not many established names wanted to join Newcastle’s seemingly sinking ship at the time. But the 31-year-old has acted as a big focal point and been an absolute workhorse when called upon. He has also made a nuisance of himself for the team’s cause while chipping in with match-winning goals against Southampton and Wolves as Newcastle pulled clear of the bottom three.

However, Wood has fallen down the pecking order somewhat at Newcastle. While he has featured in all of Newcastle’s Premier League fixtures this season and has scored two goals from 18 appearances, just four of those have been starts.

Now, with Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak both back fit and firing, his chances would be limited, so Howe is willing to let Wood out on a temporary basis, with the Champions League-chasing Magpies also looking to make room in the squad for any possible winter additions.

Forest have been scouring for a new striker for much of the winter transfer window ever since summer signing Taiwo Awonyi limped off after scoring the winner at Southampton.

The Tricky Trees have been in decent form of late and have lifted themselves up to 13th in the Premier League. But it is abundantly obvious that another target man is required to boost their survival push, as they lack a focal point in the absence of Awoniyi.

While Wood might not be the most exciting addition to ever join Forest, the deal makes a lot of sense. The 31-year-old has netted 54 goals in 189 appearances in the Premier League across spells with Burnley and Newcastle. He is also a good dressing-room influence and would not take time to settle in like an overseas acquisition.

Most importantly, he is an experienced performer and has fought countless relegation battles, emerging victorious in most. He could be just what Forest are looking for in the transfer market at the current moment.