Nuno Espirito Santo reportedly wants West Ham United to reunite him with 33-year-old Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Chris Wood is the subject of interest of West Ham United. Nuno Espirito Santo is the driving force behind the East London club’s move for the Nottingham Forest striker. Meanwhile, Everton and Leeds United are also keen on signing the veteran New Zealander next year.
Chris Wood and his situation
Chris Wood has established himself as one of the most productive strikers in the Premier League since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United. The Tricky Trees initially signed the experienced striker on loan in January 2023 before completing a permanent move six months later. However, he has not looked back since moving to the City Ground.
The 33-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances thus far for Nottingham Forest, amassing 39 goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Wood’s exploits for the Premier League club have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. West Ham United, Everton, and Leeds United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
West Ham United will likely dip into the market for a striker in the winter transfer window despite signing Callum Wilson this past summer. Nuno Espirito Santo wants more firepower in the final third. Several candidates, including Baris Alper Yilmaz, have thus emerged on the East London club’s radar. However, the Portuguese tactician is pushing West Ham United to sign Wood from Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Everton’s interest in Chris Wood is surprising. The Toffees have a stacked offensive unit, and they signed a striker in the summer transfer window, as Thierno Barry arrived from Villarreal. So, Everton can do without a new striker next year unless Beto departs from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
As for Leeds United, the West Yorkshire outfit signed multiple strikers in the summer transfer window, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha completing bargain moves to Elland. So, it will be surprising that Wood has emerged as a target for Leeds United.
With Everton and Leeds United also pushing for Wood’s signature, it will be interesting to see if West Ham can beat the other Premier League clubs to the 33-year-old New Zealand international amid Nuno Espirito Santo’s desire to reunite with him at the London Stadium.