Eddie Howe has revealed that he would ideally like to replace Chris Wood with a forward who is 'ready to play' for Newcastle United right away.
Howe did not plan on losing Wood, who has featured in all but two of Newcastle's Premier League games this season, but the Magpies boss was keen to respect the striker's wishes and allow him to join Nottingham Forest. Although Wood will move to Forest on loan initially, Steve Cooper's side are obliged to make the temporary move permanent if certain triggers are met, as expected, in the coming months in what is a 'very good' deal financially for Newcastle.
That leaves Newcastle with the challenge of finding a replacement in the final 11 days of the window who can hit the ground running while also playing a part in the club's future in the years to come.
