Swansea City have emerged as a surprise suitor for Leeds United forward Chris Wood. The New Zealand international lit up the Championship last season and his rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed by Paul Clement who has been searching for a prolific goal poacher for his side.
It’s very surprising that the 25-year-old hasn’t been able to create a demand among the Premier League clubs despite his stupendous form for the Yorkshire club. He was the first choice striker for Garry Monk and the Newzealand International repaid the faith by finding the net 27 times for Leeds United.
He finished as the highest scorer in the Championship and even claimed a place in the Championship team of the year. But his goals were not enough as Leeds United tumbled horribly in the back end of the season and failed to clinch a playoff berth.
The departure of Garry Monk saw the arrival of Thomas Christiansen and the new manager hopes to build a team around the 25-year-old. Monk rejected a number of offers for the striker during his time at the club and the Spanish gaffer is likely to repeat the same.
Swansea City recently acquired the services of Tammy Abraham on loan from Chelsea and alongside him, Clement also has Fernando Llorente and Borja Baston in the attacking department.
Borja had a miserable campaign after joining the Swans for a record £15m from Atletico Madrid and his move backfired predictably as the Spaniard endured a miserable campaign last season. He failed to understand the plot totally and Clement had to largely depend on veteran Llorente who proved to be a very shrewd signing.
But the Spanish striker has been linked with a move to Chelsea as Antonio Conte wants a reunion with the player and Conte might make an approach for Llorente in the upcoming days. So Clement needs to find a strike partner of Abraham and Wood fits the profile perfectly.
The New Zealand international had been pretty consistent for the Whites throughout the last campaign and can be very dangerous if he gets the proper support in the attacking third.
Although Leeds United have slapped a £20m price tag on the player to fend off suitors, it’s pretty much within the reach of the Swans. In this inflated market, £20m is a bargain for a striker who has all the necessary elements in him.
Wood’s work rate is pretty commendable and he could flourish under the tutelage of Paul Clement at the Liberty Stadium.
