Leeds United’s Chris Wood was linked with Sunderland and West Ham United in January.
Leeds United striker Chris Wood has told the Daily Mail that staying with the club in January was a ‘no-brainer’ amid reported interest from the Premier League.
Former Leeds boss Uwe Rosler swooped to land Wood from Leicester City in the summer of 2015, signing a four-year deal after the clubs agreed a £3million fee (Yorkshire Evening Post).
The New Zealand international had hit 20 goals in 62 games for Leicester, meaning he arrived at Elland Road with high expectations, especially given his transfer fee.
Chris Wood scores for Leeds United against Huddersfield Town
Despite scoring 13 times in his first season at Elland Road, Wood came in for stern criticism from supporters, and was challenged to improve after Garry Monk snapped up another striker over the summer in Marcus Antonsson.
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Wood has responded in style, as his goal against Huddersfield Town on Sunday was his 21st of the season so far, and his superb performances have been recognised having won the PFA Championship Player of the Month award for January earlier this week.
Leeds’ Chris Wood applauds
Wood’s displays haven’t gone unnoticed though, as ESPN reported in January that Sunderland and West Ham United were both interested in signing the 25-year-old centre forward, but Leeds had slapped a £15million asking price on Wood’s head.
With Leeds challenging for promotion back to the Premier League, Wood’s goals will be needed, and manager Monk will certainly be pleased that the transfer window ended with Wood still at Elland Road.
Now, ahead of this weekend’s game with Cardiff City, Wood has told the Daily Mail that staying was a no-brainer given that his situation with Leeds is ‘perfect’, and joked that he was happy with the valuation of £15million.
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“Why would I leave here when we could be in the Premier League come May?” said Wood. “It’s a no-brainer. This is where I’m doing so well, it’s perfect. And if the owner says I’m worth £15m…happy days!” he added.
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