Newcastle United submit £14m transfer bid for Chris Wood ‘replacement’

Newcastle United have reportedly submitted a £14million offer to sign Brazilian talent Matheus Franca as Chris Wood closes in a move to Nottingham Forest.

Wood is set to move to the City Ground on loan until the end of the campaign, which includes a £15m obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.

The 31-year-old’s departure comes just 12 months after he joined the Magpies for £25m from then-relegation rivals Burnley.

Although Wood has scored just five goals in 39 appearances for United, many will view the transfer as a success after he helped the club retain its Premier League status last season.

However, due to Callum Wilson’s return to full fitness and Alexander Isak’s club-record arrival in the summer, Wood has fallen to third choice having made just four starts in 2022-23.

In light of the New Zealand international’s imminent exit, the Magpies have pushed ahead with a January swoop for Flamengo sensation Franca - according to Fabrizio Romano.

Franca isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Wood. The 18-year-old is predominantly an attacking midfielder but can play as a centre-forward or in a wide position.

In his first year as a professional, Franca won the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Libertadores. He is considered Flamengo’s greatest talent since they sold Vinicius Jnr to Real Madrid in 2018.

The Brazil under-20s international is reportedly being tracked by Lyon, while Real Madrid are keeping tabs on his situation.