Chris Wood is close to following his Nottingham Forest team-mate Murillo by agreeing a new contract with the Premier League’s surprise Champions League contenders.
Wood and his advisers have reached a verbal agreement with Forest following talks about a possible two-year contract and, if everything goes to plan, the deal is expected to be finalised soon.
The New Zealand international’s existing contract at the City Ground was due to expire at the end of the current season. Murillo committed his long-term future to Forest by signing a new four-and-a-half-year deal earlier on Tuesday.
Wood has had interest from teams in the MLS and Saudi Pro League but the striker is happy in Nottingham and in the form of his career.
The 33-year-old has scored 14 goals in 22 Premier League appearances for Forest this season, fewer only than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Forest are keen to bolster their attacking options this month with Taiwo Awoniyi the only other experienced striker at the club.
Forest have submitted a bid for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa but may have to increase their initial offer of £22million to secure his services.
Wood joined Forest from Newcastle in January 2023 on an initial loan deal before the move was made permanent in February that year.
He scored 15 goals across 2023-24, establishing himself as first-choice striker under head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Wood moved to English football in 2008 with his career including spells at West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, Leeds United, Burnley and Newcastle, alongside multiple loan spells.
The striker is New Zealand’s all-time record goal scorer with 41 goals in 80 caps.
Forest, third in the table, return to action against Bournemouth on Saturday.
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(Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
