Expert: Nottingham Forest pushing to agree new contract with star man
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Nottingham Forest are pushing towards agreeing a new contract with Chris Wood as a result of his scintillating form so far this season.
This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Nuno Espirito Santo is “desperate” for the striker to commit his future to the club.
As things stand, the 33-year-old’s deal is set to expire at the end of the season, but there is a growing feeling that he will commit his future to Forest.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in October that Wood is happy at the City Ground and is prepared to sign a new deal with the club.
As a result, an agreement is expected to be a formality with both parties keen to continue what has been a productive relationship since Espirito Santo’s arrival.
So far this season, Wood has scored 12 goals in 20 league appearances, and has established his place as a crucial starter for Forest.
His goal against Wolves, the second in a 3-0 win, help secure Forest’s third-placed position in the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal and four ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest plan to hold Chris Wood contract talks
Brown insisted that Forest have weighed up what it would cost to sign a new striker with the same output as Wood, and decided keeping him at the club would be the best option.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely with top players after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that both parties are keen to extend his stay and could open talks imminently.
“Chris Wood has done better than anybody expected,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s playing in a side which suits his style perfectly, they’ve got lots of pace, wingers who get down the flanks and get crosses in, and they’re not afraid to go long.
“Then, he’s come up with his end of the bargain by scoring plenty of goals.
“He’s been the icing on the cake of what has been a fantastic season for them so far.
“Forest have considered the fact that replacing Wood with somebody who can score the same volume of goals would be a very expensive deal.
“So it makes sense to tie him down and keep him at the club for as long as they can – and from what I’ve heard, they’re desperate to do so.
“The manager likes him, the fans love him, he’s happy and playing in a team which plays to his strengths, and his demands won’t be unreasonable, so a new contract makes sense for all parties.
“I’d expect, if they aren’t already, Forest will be pushing to get that deal signed.”
In other news, Liverpool are “very interested” in signing Morgan Gibbs-White.
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The post Expert: Nottingham Forest pushing to agree new contract with star man appeared first on Football Insider.
