UPDATED: 7:03am – The All Whites striker Chris Wood is returning to the English football’s premier league, with Burnley set to sign him from Championship side Leeds.
Burnley have reportedly paid a club record $26 million for the 25 year old Wood who has previously played for Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion in the top flight.
The transfer was confirmed by Leeds United’s manager Thomas Christiansen subject to a medical clearance.
Wood pulled out of Leeds’ squad for their Championship match at Sunderland saying he did not feel it would be right to play while talks continued on a move.
“Due to strong interest from a Premier League team, the ongoing 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 said in a statement.
“I wish the team all the best and hope the lads can pick up the three points.”
“When one player doesn’t want to stay, there is nothing I can do. I only want players who are 100 per cent with the team,” Christiansen told Sky Sports after Leeds’ 2-0 win at Sunderland.”
While Christiansen was disappointed at losing Wood who was the Championship’s top scorer last year with 27 goals, he respected Wood’s decision.
“The possibility to go to a Premier League club is interesting for him, and probably the money is also much better,” Christiansen said in a report on the Club Call website.
“But he was recognised and appreciated player at this club and everyone has to respect his decision.
“He’s a professional and if that’s his thought we have to respect it. I personally hope he will do fine. I don’t have anything against him, he’s a good guy, a good player and he’s given until now what I expected of him.”
Wood, who played in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as an 18-year-old, has scored 20 goals in 52 appearances for the All Whites.
-RNZ
