Newcastle United star Chris Wood is now open to joining Nottingham Forest on loan as the teams discuss his transfer. Talks between the Toon and Reds are also at an advanced stage.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports in The Guardian that Wood will accept a move to the City Ground. He has struggled for minutes on Tyneside this season so will look happily on Steve Cooper’s interest. Even if it would mean he joins another relegation fight.
Wood moved to St James’ Park last January as Eddie Howe paid a £25m release clause in the striker’s contract with Burnley. Newcastle used their new Saudi-backed riches to entice the 31-year-old to move on an £80k-a-week contract as the Toon fought to avoid the drop.
Howe now has Newcastle enjoying a surprise push for European football and potentially a top-four finish. But Callum Wilson’s form and a club-record £63m move for Alexander Isak in August has pushed Wood out of favour. The New Zealander has started six games so far.
Howe has further only started Wood in four of his 18 Premier League appearances so far in 2022/23. A mere total of 438 minutes of top-flight action has only seen the 70-cap forward score two goals, as well. He has three goals and no assists in 22 outings in all competitions.
Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are discussing a loan-to-buy transfer for Wood
Wood only scored twice in 17 fixtures last season after joining Newcastle from Burnley in a January transfer. Yet Cooper believes the Auckland native can help fire Nottingham Forest to safety with a loan move. The City Ground natives sit 13th in the table after 19 matches.
Discussions between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest over Wood’s loan transfer are now at an advanced stage. The Daily Mail has also reported that a temporary switch will feature an option to buy. It does not cite the value of the clause but Wood’s contract runs to 2024.
Cooper will hope that Wood can rediscover his goalscoring touch at the City Ground. Only Wolves (12) have scored fewer Premier League goals this season than Nottingham Forest, Everton and West Ham United (15). But Wood can also offer so much more than just goals.
“He has been tremendous since he has gone in there,” Les Ferdinand stated, via Chronicle Live, of Wood’s instant impact at St James’ last season. “Getting hold of the ball, shrugging people off and keeping the ball up there – which wasn’t happening for Newcastle.
“The ball was going forward and it was coming straight back. Now, he is their focal point. The ball is going into him and he is able to hold people off and bring people into the game as a traditional number nine. That is what your job is.”
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