EDDIE HOWE has confirmed his intentions to replace Nottingham Forest-bound Chris Wood this month, with the Newcastle head coach warning that the Magpies risk being left “dangerously short” in attack if they don’t manage to sign a striker.

Wood is having a medical at Forest this morning ahead of completing his loan move to the City Ground, which will be made permanent in the summer.

Howe admitted allowing Wood to leave wasn’t in his plans at the start of the window. But a “very good deal financially” for Newcastle, plus the prospect of added security for Wood meant the Magpies sanctioned the exit of the striker.

“It was a difficult decision because you have to take into account the player and his wishes, but it’s also a very good deal financially for the football club,” said Howe.

Quizzed on whether he plans to replace Wood, Howe said: “Hopefully. Certainly from my side there was no plan of letting him go and not replacing him, that would leave us dangerously short. But there’s no guarantees. That’s the position we find ourselves in.”

Howe hailed Wood for his impact and importance over the course of the last 12 months – on and off the pitch.

%image('16313532', type="article-full", alt="Chris Wood is on his way out of Newcastle United")

He said: “He’s been a huge player for us, he’s been outstanding in every way. When we signed him we were in a difficult position, he played a huge role on the pitch and helped transform the team. This season he’s been excellent on and off the pitch in terms of his leadership and positivity, we can’t underestimate the role he’s played.”

Howe added: “From Chris’s own perspective, he now has the security of an extra year on his contract. Even the last couple of days, he’s been ultra professional.”