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.