Eddie Howe has told Friday’s press conference – as per Chronicle Live – that Newcastle United striker Chris Wood is having a medical “as we speak” at Nottingham Forest ahead of a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £15million.
Wood, 31, only joined Newcastle in January 2022. Costing the Toon a huge £25million fee from Burnley, he has gone on to score just five goals in 39 games for the Toon. He has fallen down the pecking order, after Alex Isak signed.
Isak has been injured and that has seen Wood remain in and around the side. But with the club-record signing now back from injury and scoring the winner against Fulham last time out, Wood has now fallen down to third choice.
Sky Sports were among a number of outlets to report that Wood is joining Nottingham Forest on loan. An obligation of £15million has been included. Howe has now confirmed that Wood is having a medical at Forest “as we speak”.
Chris is having a medical with Forest as we speak. He’s been a huge player for us. He’s been outstanding. When we signed him we were in a very difficult position. Excellent on and off the pitch with his leadership and positivity.”
Howe: Newcastle striker Wood having Forest medical as we speak
It is a move that suits all parties. Newcastle will get a decent fee back for a player they are perceived to have overpaid to sign for £25million. Wood joins a side that will suit him, and his game time will dramatically increase.
Forest get a player that has plenty of experience in fighting relegation battles. A striker that can give Forest a plan B, or even, a plan A. Of course, Forest have Emmanuel Dennis and Taiwo Awoniyi. But Wood will fancy his chances.
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