Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 17 January 2023 9:51, UK

Nottingham Forest are plotting a surprise move for Newcastle United striker Chris Wood, sources have told Football Insider.

Forest boss Steve Cooper is keen to bring in a striker during this month’s window to boost his team’s survival fight.

The east Midlands club are exploring permanent and loan options for Wood.

The New Zealand international, 31, is the third-choice striker at Newcastle behind Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.

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.

Howe could be tempted to let him leave to free up room in his squad for potential new signings.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (16 January) that Newcastle have held preliminary talks over signing Memphis Depay on loan from Barcelona for the rest of the season.

Wood has been featuring regularly in the 2022-23 campaign in the injury absence of Isak – scoring three goals in 22 appearances.

Isak has since returned to action and 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 (2022) and is under contract for another 18 months.

The Magpies sit third in the Premier League – just nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest 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.