Sources: Chris Wood finalises Newcastle move to Nottingham Forest after PiF green light
Newcastle United have given the green light to striker Chris Wood joining Nottingham Forest on a loan-to-buy deal, sources have told Football Insider.
The north-east giants have sanctioned the forward, 31, heading to the City Ground for the rest of the season following Wednesday talks.
Wood is keen to join Forest on loan with an option to buy and the move is expected to be completed in the next 48 hours with talks advancing.
Football Insider first broke the news that Forest had turned their attention to the surprise capture of the New Zealand international early on Tuesday morning (17 January).
Forest boss Steve Cooper is keen to bring in a striker during this month’s window to boost his team’s survival fight.
His side require cover in the final third of the pitch as Taiwo Awoniyi is out for two months with a groin injury.
Wood is the third-choice striker at Newcastle behind Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, who has returned to fitness after an extended spell out injured.
Isak scored the winner on Sunday (15 January) as Newcastle beat high-flying Fulham 1-0.
Wood cost mega-rich Newcastle a reported £25million fee last year and is under contract for another 18 months.
Signed from Burnley last January, Wood only has four starts in the Premier League this season after playing a key role in his early months at the club.
He has been a regular substitute without getting the game time that he is wants, and would hope to get at Forest.
Cooper’s team have pulled five points clear of the relegation zone following their recent resurgence.
The City Ground club sit 13th in the Premier League ahead of their meeting with struggling Bournemouth on Saturday (21 January).
The promoted side have already added Palmeiras duo Danilo and Gustavo Scarpa to their ranks in the January window.
In other news, Football Insider updates with Newcastle United in London talks over signing £25m+ starlet.