Whelan believes his former club may have to win promotion this year if they want to keep Wood beyond the summer.
Former Leeds United star Noel Whelan told BBC Radio West Yorkshire before kick-off on Wednesday night that Chris Wood could easily score 30 goals this season, but warned the Whites that they may have to win promotion this season to be able to keep hold of their key man.
Much of the Whites’ success this season has been based on the fitness and form of the New Zealand international striker.
After scoring 13 goals in 36 Championship games last season, the 25-year-old netted his 20th of the current campaign in just his 31st appearance against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
His well-taken second-half strike led Garry Monk’s side to a valuable 2-0 victory to get the club back to winning ways after the disappointing 3-2 defeat at Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.
Speaking before the game, Whelan knew that a 20th goal for Wood was just a matter of time, and backed him to reach 30 before the season is out.
However, he did warn his old club that they need to cash in on Wood’s exploits by winning promotion to the Premier League this term if they are to keep hold of their main man.
Whelan told BBC Radio West Yorkshire: “We knew Wood had 20 goals in him, but they’re creating chances for him that they weren’t before. We have a great squad here and everyone seems to be getting the best out of each other.
“You get the players, the balance and blend and you can really find out how well each other will do. There are so many reasons why they’re getting the best out of him.
“There’s plenty of time for him to hit 30, and what a season that will be. But let’s make sure they get promotion with him – they don’t want to lose him.”
Leeds are well-placed to sustain a serious challenge to go up, as Wednesday’s win saw them jump back into third place in the Championship table.
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