Sources: Newcastle open preliminary talks on new signing as two senior stars to leave
Newcastle United are working on signing a forward as Chris Wood completes the formalities of a loan-to-buy move to Nottingham Forest on Friday, sources have told Football Insider.
Eddie Howe's team have accepted Forest's offer for Wood and he headed to the City Ground on Thursday to begin a medical and sign on an initial loan with an option to buy in the summer.
He could be the first of two senior forward exits at St James' Park this month with Ryan Fraser told he can leave if a suitable offer arrives.
Newcastle are now keen to bring in a versatile attacker who can play out wide and also, potentially, down the middle.
Preliminary discussions are believed to be underway with the top targets who fit the age profile of the type of player the club want.
Football Insider first revealed Forest's swoop for Wood early on Tuesday (17 January) and a deal has now been tied up.
This comes after Howe insisted the New Zealand international would not be leaving this month.
Wood, who cost a reported £25million 12 months ago, has been featuring regularly in the 2022-23 campaign – scoring three goals in 22 appearances.
Meanwhile, Fraser is yet to score or assist in eight Premier League outings this season.
Newcastle have recently been buoyed by the return of club-record striker signing Alexander Isak, who faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines after bursting onto the scene at St James' Park.
Callum Wilson has been holding down a first-choice striking berth this term, scoring six goals in 14 top-flight appearances.
Newcastle sit fourth in the Premier League after 19 games and have built a five-point buffer to fifth-place Tottenham.
The Magpies face Crystal Palace on Saturday (21 January).