Leeds United could be set to raid a Premier League rival to solve one of their long-standing issues…
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As per transfer insider Dean Jones, Newcastle United striker Chris Wood could be the answer to their offensive prayers whilst Patrick Bamford fights his various injury woes.
His claims come following Football Insider’s report at the start of December linking the Whites with a move as the New Zealand international slips down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think that they should be looking at somebody like Chris Wood, and I think Leeds will keep their eye on that situation.”
Ditch Bamford
Although Wood’s goal record is not the most stunning in recent months, with just seven in all competitions since the start of last season, there is still a belief that the 6 foot 4 goliath could offer a fine physical presence to make him a useful asset for Jesse Marsch.
Despite his dwindling game-time at Newcastle, the 31-year-old still ranks in the top 1% for aerial duels won among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year; and should the former Whites marksman return to Elland Road, at the very least he could operate as a facilitator for those around him.
That was at least Alan Shearer’s thinking after the Magpies signed him in a £25m deal last January, as he noted of Wood: “He can keep hold of it and bring other players into the game. He is horrible to play against and he won’t give defenders a moment’s peace.”
The New Zealander has only scored once in the Premier League this term, where he is averaging just 21 minutes per game.
However, before his move to Tyneside last season, he had announced himself as a solid striker at top-flight level in a Burnley side who often battled with the drop.
During the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, he scored 12 goals and set up three more, equalling the amount of goal contributions from the season prior (15).
There would not be such a scramble for a striker from Leeds had Bamford’s injury record not been so woeful in recent years; and whether Wood joins to replace him altogether or just relieve some of the pressure on the 29-year-old upon his return, it could mark a smart move to return him to the club where he scored an admirable 44 goals in 88 appearances.
Meanwhile, the Englishman has only managed 19 Premier League appearances since the start of 2021/22, with a damning goal return of just two, so it could be time for the Whites to ditch him and look towards re-signing Wood instead.
Marsch needs to act fast in January, with his Leeds side just two points above the relegation zone after 14 games, and signing Wood could be a significant stepping stone towards climbing away from danger.
