Chris Hughton admitted being disappointed with Chris Wood back in 2012 as he now pursues Leeds ace

Follow us on Google Discover

Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly planning a club-record bid for Leeds United striker Chris Wood.

According to a report from The Sun, Brighton are planning a potential club-record bid for Leeds striker Chris Wood this summer, as Chris Hughton attempts to be reunited with the New Zealander.

Wood enjoyed a sensational season last term, finishing as the Championship’s top goalscorer. With that in mind, it should perhaps surprise few that Hughton is considering making a £12 million bid for the 25-year-old this summer.

But the Seagulls’ interest may also have something to do with the fact that Hughton knows how lethal the forward can be, having worked with him earlier in his career.

Chris Wood

Hughton was Birmingham City boss when Wood arrived on loan in 2011. During his time at St Andrew’s, he scored 11 times in 29 games for the Blues including two goals in the Europa League.

And Hughton would express his disappointment in April 2012, as reported by the Birmingham Mail, when reflecting upon Wood’s decision to join Bristol City on loan during that season’s January transfer window rather than return to Birmingham.

“I was disappointed,” Hughton said at the time, as reported by the Mail.

“I just felt that he had played a big enough part here in the first half of the season to want to come back.

“He’s a good lad, he’s a football person, he thinks about the game,” he went on to add.

‘‘I felt he believed he would be guaranteed more games there. So I can understand his decision. It was disappointing, but I can understand it.”

That disappointment at missing out arguably highlights how highly Hughton rated Wood at the time, and so, it is perhaps not surprising at all that following the striker’s scintillating form from last term, he appears to be the striker at the top of the Brighton boss’ shopping list.

But Leeds supporters will be desperately hoping that the decision Wood makes regarding his future – if a bid does come in – leaves Hughton disappointed once again.