West Ham’s transfer business could take an intriguing twist yet ahead of deadline day.
Following the arrival of Liam Delap at Nottingham Forest, for a record £50m, the future of Chris Wood has come under scrutiny.
Wood will turn 35 in December (positively spring chicken-like, compared with Jamie Vardy) and is seemingly surplus to requirements, and given his experience and having worked under Nuno previously, could be a surprise signing for the Hammers.
Wood did play 29 minutes in Forest’s one-nil loss against Leeds in their opening game against Leeds United and also started in their Carabao Cup match against the same opponents. Yet with only one year left on his contract, reports suggest Oliver Glasner will not stand in his way if a suitable offer is received in this transfer window.
The New Zealand international who has 45 goals at that level, has also weighed in with 41 goals since joining Forest in 2023. Indeed he is the club’s all time leading Premier League goal scorer, surpassing Bryan Roy’s longstanding record of 24 goals.
The 6ft 3” centre-forward has played for a number of clubs during his career, and has a good track record in the Championship. Nuno was linked to the player in the January transfer window – yet instead opted to sign Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos.
Whether West Ham step up their interest remains to be seen, and much depends on the valuation Forest place on the striker’s head.
With a gruelling 44 league matches still ahead, Nuno needs greater depth in his squad and if the terms are right, bringing in Wood could prove a sensible addition.
Did we not learn the folly of 35 year olds during the last two seasons? Then there was a panic to reduce the average age. Then Nuno picked a fight with most of those and they left, now he is looking at OAP’s.
As with Nelson if Wood comes in he needs to be an extra not an instead of.
Nelson + Wood + other 5 players needed.
Whu vocabulary seems to consist of looking, interested, maybe, we tried, offer made, twist.
Instead it should be young, pacy, talented, exceptional, on his way.
If, as with Charlton, we are going to find it difficult to break down packed defences his height at set pieces, together with Soucek, might provide a viable solution.
Why would we want to buy such a veteran again, please buy youth with sell on value
The players we are looking at is quite depressing
Woods is past his best now as Forest have realised, he has been a very good player for them.
I just hope we are doing silent deals of some better players to come in.
I can live in hope
we have our own youth we can turn to a mixture of experience and youth is the way to go. Would welcome Woods.
Such as??