Promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest look set to return to the familiar surroundings of the transfer window this winter as the former two-time European Cup winners look primed for another move in the 2022-23 season.
On the back of a long-term injury suffered by summer signing Taiwo Awoniyi, Steve Cooper’s men are now on the hunt for a central figure in the number 9 role on a temporary basis and may have landed on Newcastle United’s Chris Woods as an ideal solution to what ails them.
Nottingham Forest are close to securing a loan move for Newcastle United striker Chris Wood, with Taiwo Awoniyi set to be sidelined for two months.#NUFC | #NFFC
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— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 18, 2023
Reports from The Athletic confirm Forest’s interest in the 31-year-old former Burnley standout as a temporary solution given Awoniyi’s impending absence until March at the very least, which would also offer Wood the chance for a considerable boost in match minutes after falling further down the pecking order at St. James’ Park under Eddie Howe.
Since the return of Swedish international star Alexander Isak from injury, Wood is now viewed as the third-choice center-forward behind the aforementioned Isak as well as England international Callum Wilson, but the Auckland-born Wood would likely have a real chance at leading the line under Cooper given the Forest manager’s frustration with some of his central options, namely Nigerian forward Emmanuel Dennis.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano also commented on the possible move, detailing that the player has already sanctioned his temporary departure from Tyneside, with the loan deal also likely to include an option to buy during the summer window.
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