Burnley didn’t have the best of seasons in the English top flight last term as they finished 16th in the league table. Remaining inside the relegation zone is arguably their first priority, and although they successfully managed to refrain themselves from falling into the clutches of the relegation zone last season, they must try to fare in a much better manner this time around.
The Clarets, however, have started the 2017-18 season with a ground shattering result as they managed a shocking 2-3 win at Stamford Bridge against defending champions Chelsea in their opening league fixture. A brace from Sam Vokes and Stephen Ward’s sensational strike in the first half proved to be enough to sink Antonio Conte’s ship, despite the fact that the Blues tried to fight back in the second half, with Alvaro Morata and David Luiz finding the back of the net.
Sean Dyche has been pretty shrewd this summer in bringing quality names to Turf Moor, with the likes of Charlie Taylor, Jack Cork and Jon Walters already signed by them. Apparently, Dyche has put Leeds United’s prolific goal scorer Chris Wood on his radar and after the dismissal of their bid of £12million last week to lure Wood out of Elland Road, the Premier League outfit are poised to make an improved bid of £20million to get the striker.
Burnley sanctioned the sale of Andre Grey to Watford earlier this summer and are thus justifiably looking their options to get a replacement. Their interest in Wood makes a lot of sense, for the New Zealand international banged 27 league goals in Championship last season for the Peacocks and has indeed carved a name for himself in the good books of the football fraternity.
The 25-year-old has volumes of experience under his belt, having plied his trade for many English sides, some of them being West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City and Birmingham City. Wood is a lethal attacker who is a perfect poacher inside the box. He holds the ball up front, links up well with his teammates, knows exactly where the goal is and is a composed finisher and these traits make him an appealing commodity.
Besides, he is good in the air and troubles the opposition with his astute movements on and off the ball. Wood showed his calibre in the second tier and it is about time for him to take a step forward in his career in order to taste new endeavours. Burnley are a decent side and the Kiwi would himself be wanting to make a move this summer to prove his credentials by playing in a much more competitive pedestal.
