No matter where you stand on the Chris Wood debate, Newcastle United risk being left 'dangerously short' if the £25 million man is not replaced. The second signing of the Magpies new era has left on loan a year later, with conditions meaning a permanent sale to Nottingham Forest in the summer is a formality.
The club-record arrival of Alexander Isak combined with Callum Wilson's sustained form meant Wood was relegated to a third-choice option this term. However, ongoing injury concerns surrounding the remaining senior strikers means Newcastle must bring in a replacement in the next 10 days.
Given the Magpies' standing in the top-four race and with a place in the Carabao Cup final also at stake, Eddie Howe has warned the new recruit has to be 'ready to play'. Speaking hours before Wood's exit was confirmed, the head coach told reporters: "In our position, we have lost a player who played a lot of football for us, who was very reliable, who stayed fit and contributed.
