Report shares why Eddie Howe is happy for Chris Wood to leave Newcastle

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Eddie Howe is reportedly willing to let Chris Wood leave Newcastle United after Nottingham Forest made a move for the 31-year-old.

The Times reported on Wednesday that Steve Cooper’s side are close to agreeing a loan deal for the striker, with further updates stating that it will include an option to buy.

Talk of Wood leaving comes as a surprise, as it would possibly leave Newcastle light in attack. However, the Daily Mail have claimed that Toon officials have held a meeting about what to do should Wood leave the club.

That now looks incredibly likely, with the Northern Echo providing an update on the situation.

Chris Wood edging closer to leaving Newcastle for Nottingham Forest

According to the Northern Echo, Howe is now willing to let Wood leave the club during the January transfer window. They add that this is because Alexander Isak is now back from injury and has proved his fitness.

The Swede scored Newcastle’s winner against Fulham on Sunday, and will now try to force his way into the starting lineup.

Howe now has Callum Wilson and Isak competing, while Wood likely would have struggled for minutes. But it would perhaps be unwise if the Magpies do not bring in any attacking reinforcements once the New Zealander heads to the City Ground.

A deal to take Wood from Newcastle to Forest could be accelerated, with the Northern Echo stating that Cooper wants to complete the deal before lunchtime tomorrow. That would mean he could be included in the squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday.

The report adds that Wood is keen to leave and experience more first-team football, which is understandable at his age. However, it is a shame that he won’t see out the season at St James’ Park. While the goals haven’t flowed, he has been an important and reliable player since his £25million move from Burnley last year.

But now Wood is happy to go, and Howe is willing to sanction it. It represents a complete U-turn from both the club and the player. Back in December, it was reported that Toon officials had no interest in letting Wood leave, with the forward happy with life at St James’ Park.

Now he looks set to join Nottingham Forest, and could potentially make his debut as early as Saturday.