Garry Monk delivers verdict on Leeds striker speculation
By Matt Farr
Leeds manager Garry Monk has rubbished talk of Chris Wood leaving the club this month.
The 25-year-old striker has led from the front as Leeds established a footing in the Championship play-offs during the first-half of the campaign, scoring 19 goals from 30 games.
His breathtaking form in front of goal has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including a surprise approach from Chinese Super League outfit Tianjin Quanjian.
The Mirror reported on Friday that the Leeds’ hitman had been lined-up as an alternative to their premier transfer target, Diego Costa.
However, Leeds boss Garry Monk has absolutely not intention of parting with his star striker this month, laughing off the interest.
Following the defeat to Barnsley on Saturday, Monk told the Express: “Chris Wood in China? I have no idea where that one’s come from.
“Speculation is speculation. Everyone who’s here is committed.”
Wood’s brace in the defeat to Barnsley at the weekend maintained a superb run of form that has seen the New Zealand international score five goals in his last three Championship outings.
The Sun reported a week ago that West Ham and Sunderland were both also interested in signing Wood, but were put-off by Leeds’ £15million valuation – a fee reported by ESPN.
Football Insider verdict
Wood is Leeds’ only real prolific goalscoring option, so it is ridiculous to speculate that he might be leaving the club in the near future. Monk wants to add to his striker options, not weaken them. If any club is that desperate to sign Wood this month, then they will need to make one hell of an offer to even tempt Monk and Leeds into considering letting him leave. If they let him go, you could be willing to bet your house on Leeds falling out of the promotion race. That’s how important he is. No other player in the Leeds squad would be able to match Wood’s goalscoring exploits, and any new signing will be intended to support Wood not replace him. After their six-game unbeaten run came to an end against Barnsley on Saturday, the speculation no doubt gave a Monk a welcome laugh.
In other Leeds transfer news, this Leeds outcast is expected to return to Elland Road in the summer.
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