Newcastle United striker Chris Wood has agreed a loan move to Nottingham Forest - and could leave the club permanently in the summer.
Wood and United have agreed an obligation on his switch to the City Ground with Forest keen to have him available for their Premier League encounter with AFC Bournemouth this weekend. It leaves Newcastle looking at their options in the market but Eddie Howe sanctioned Wood's exit safe in the knowledge he will be backed whichever direction he decides to go in.
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Wood arrived at Newcastle last January for a big fee of £25million as the Magpies activated his minimum fee release clause with Burnley. He was instantly thrown into the relegation battle and while he was not prolific he still provided Howe with a much-needed presence in the final third.
Wood took eight matches to get off the mark with his first goal for Newcastle in the 2-1 win at Southampton and was on hand to net a penalty against Wolves to help keep United up. This season he has not been able to get a regular place and has started just four Premier League games.
He scored in the win at Tranmere in the League Cup and again after coming on as sub at Southampton. His last goal for the club could prove to be a penalty at Leicester City in the 3-0 win on Boxing Day.
It remains to be seen how much Newcastle recoup for Wood, but it could also be argued his fee helped United on a crucial part of their journey under new owners. Wood is travelling down to Nottingham to take part in a medical and go through the usual formalities.
The initial loan would be turned into a sale if certain conditions are met by Forest.
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