Chris Wood has already spoken about his Newcastle United future amid Nottingham Forest ‘talks’

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Newcastle United striker Chris Wood to help boost their Premier League survival charge.

It was only 12 months ago that the Magpies paid £25million to land the New Zealand international from then-relegation rivals Burnley.

The transfer fee was frowned upon by outsiders but certainly, in the short-term, Wood’s move to St James’ Park has been a successful one.

Wood’s arrival coincided with United’s surge away from the relegation spots last term as he started 15 of the remaining 18 games, where Eddie Howe’s men picked up an impressive 38 points.

However, due to the return of Callum Wilson to full fitness and Alexander Isak’s £60million club-record move in the summer, Wood has slipped down the pecking order on Tyneside.

Although the 31-year-old has featured in all-but one of the club’s 19 Premier League fixtures so far this season, just four of those have been starts.

And according to The Times, Forest are working on a loan deal to bring the former Leeds United striker to the City Ground.

Indeed, Wood was asked about his future during the mid-season visit to Saudi Arabia last month and expressed a strong desire to remain at Newcastle.

“I am committed here and want to be here,” said Wood. “I have played in every game except one.

“Whatever capacity it is, I want to be here and help the manager, whichever he sees fit. If it’s five minutes and seeing a game out, I am here to do it, work hard and press.

“If it’s starting the game, scoring goals and working hard, I’m here to do that. My future is definitely here.”

Head coach Howe has always spoken highly of Wood, who has scored five goals in 39 appearances for United.

“He’s never let us down since the day he arrived at the football club,” Howe told NewcastleWorld after the 3-0 Boxing Day win at Leicester City. “He’s a brilliant professional away from the pitch, very hardworking and trains really well.

“Whenever we’ve called upon him, he’s always produced in terms of our tactical and pressing plans to the highest level. Today, I thought he was very good tactically and scored a huge penalty for us.

“He’s been very good from those situations. Full credit to Chris.”