Chris Wood statement: Why I am quitting Leeds
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Chris Wood statement: Why I am quitting Leeds

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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By Harry Sykes

Chris Wood has released a statement on Twitter to reveal that he has pulled out of Leeds United's Championship clash against Sunderland on Saturday evening because he is in advanced talks to join a Premier League club.

The Leeds striker shared the news that supporters had feared after 24 hours of intense speculation that he was on the verge of a transfer to Burnley.

Wood did not specifically name Sean Dyche's side as his future employers, but explained that he was on the verge of a move because of his ambitions to play in the English top flight.

The statement was posted on his personal Twitter account 30 minutes before Leeds' team was due to be announced for the league encounter at the Stadium of Light.

"Due to strong interest from a Premier League team, the on-going discussions with the club, and given it has always been my ambition to play at the highest level, I don't feel it is right that I play today," Wood explained.

"I wish the team all the best and hope the lads can pick up the three points."

Wood had travelled up to the north-east on Friday evening with the rest of the Leeds squad but it has been reported that United officials accepted Burnley's bid of £15million plus add-ons for the player last night.

The New Zealand international spearheaded the team's promotion challenge last season with a Championship-high 27 league goals and 30 in all competitions.

Fans are calling on the club to sign two strikers to replace Wood before the 31 August transfer window cut-off.

In other Leeds United transfer news, Football Insider can exclusively reveal that Thomas Christiansen is lining up a move for a centre-back who is highly regarded and is captain of his club.

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