West Ham United are reportedly chasing Leeds United striker Chris Wood to strengthen their attacking department. Wood finished the season with 27 goals in the Championship and became the highest scorer in the English second tier. The Yorkshire club is making efforts to keep him, but their failure of making it to the playoffs could play a major role in this transfer.
Wood has a £20m price tag but that shouldn’t be a problem for Slaven Bilic’s side. The New Zealand forward has scored almost 40% of Leeds’ total goals this season, as the Whites just missed the playoff positions by a whisker. He was also linked with a move to China in January but he preferred to stay at the Elland Road.
But If Wood chooses to leave the club for the London stadium, he will be the second player to do so in recent times. Sam Byram switched his allegiance in the favour of the Hammers in the winter transfer window of 2016. Wood will also be able to reunite with his international teammate Winston Reid if he makes the switch.
The 25-year-old had little chance to play in the English top tier in the last seasons but now it seems he is set to gain heavily. Leeds signed the player for a paltry £3m from Leicester City in 2016 but will be holding up for at least £20m which is a significant rise in the price. The player is set to captain New Zealand in the upcoming Confederation Cup as Reid is currently injured and this experience is what has driven his value through the roof.
West Ham United needs a proper number nine to uplift their chances in the next season. There are no doubts over Andy Carroll’s potential but the dominating striker has severe fitness issues which was one the main reason behind the Hammers’ poor performances this season.
Ashley Fletcher is yet to be given chances and Wood could be an answer to all the questions. He is a typical ‘fox in the box’ striker and is also an excellent finisher in front of goal. His addition will certainly provide a variety and depth to the Hammers attack which they have been lacking this season.
The forward has two years left on his current contract and although there are no bids from the London club yet, they are surely on the way to process their move for the Championship hotshot. Leeds will be adamant to keep the player at the club but if a sufficient offer comes, it will be very hard for him as the lure of playing in one of the top football league cannot be ignored.
