Howe confirms exit of 'outstanding' Newcastle star and hints Toon could sign replacement

Wood is set to sign for Forest on loan until the end of the season, and could make his debut against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

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The New Zealand international only joined the Toon a year ago from Burnley in a £25million deal, and played a crucial part in Newcastle's relegation battle last season.

He has found regular game time limited at St James' Park, though, with just four starts in the 18 games he has played.

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"Chris [Wood] is having a medical with [Nottingham] Forest as we speak," said Howe on Friday morning, speaking ahead of Newcastle's Premier League trip to face Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"He's been a huge player for us. He's been outstanding in every way. When we signed him we were in as very difficult position.

"He's played a huge part on the pitch to help transform the team, and been excellent on and off the pitch with his leadership and positivity.

"It was a difficult decision, you have to take into account the player's wishes but I think it's a good deal financially for the club."

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Howe also revealed the club will look to replace the 31-year-old, but only if the right type of player is available.

"Hopefully we're planning to replace him," the boss added. "Certainly from my side there is no thought of letting a player go and not replacing him. But there's no guarantees.

"I don't think we will replace Chris with another Chris if that makes sense. His type of player I don't necessarily think is in the market, it's got to be the right player. That's always so important.

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"Three or four days ago it wasn't on my horizon. Losing a player that we've used so much isn't something we'd want to do.

"But you have to understand January can be very unpredictable and things happen that you don't expect. You have to be able to react."