Southampton are said to be interested in signing Chris Wood and if they make a move for the Leeds United star, they should consider using Sam Gallagher as a makeweight in their bid.
Southampton striker Sam Gallagher scored 12 goals on loan at Blackburn Rovers
According the Daily Star, the Saints are one of three Premier League clubs to register a serious interest in prising Wood away from Elland Road, Stoke City and West Ham United join the battle for his signature.
Wood scored an impressive 30 goals last season for Leeds, who missed out on the play-offs following a remarkable end of season collapse and it was inevitable that Premier League clubs would come calling.
The New Zealand international has quickly established himself as one of the Championship’s top forwards after moving to Leeds from Leicester City in 2015. He has scored an impressive 43 goals in 85 appearances and the 25-year-old will be keen to prove that he can replicate this form in the Premier League.
Leeds will face a tough task in trying to keep their talismanic striker and will hope that Wood stays at the club next season as they look to spark another promotion push.
However, if a substantial bid does come in for Wood then it will be hard to ignore. If Leeds are to sell their star forward then they will need to replace him with a striker capable of scoring goals on a consistent basis in the Championship.
Chris Wood scored 30 goals for Leeds United last season
Southampton striker Sam Gallagher has the potential to replace Wood effectively. The 21-year-old his most prolific spell whilst on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season. He scored 12 goals at Ewood Park but this was not enough to prevent the club from relegation.
Gallagher, who has made 18 first-team starts for Southampton, will be entering the final year of his contract at St. Mary’s. Despite making his impressive performances last campaign, the 6ft 4in centre forward may need to consider that at least for now, the Championship is the best place for him to be.
If Southampton are serious about winning the race for Wood then offering Gallagher as well as a sizeable fee will work in their favour and will most likely put them in pole position to land their target.
Sam Gallagher’s contract expires at Southampton next summer
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