All Whites striker Chris Wood’s switch to Championship club Leeds United has been confirmed.
Leeds United anounced the signing on Wednesday night (NZT), spending a reported £2 million (NZ$4.6million) plus add ons to snare Wood from Premier League side Leicester City.
The deal went through even though Leicester City bosses fired manager Nigel Pearson overnight.
Wood is Leeds' fourth signing of the transfer window, joining Charlie Horton, Lee Erwin and Sol Bamba at the club.
"I think he’s another important piece in the jigsaw," manager Uwe Rosler told the club’s website.
"We were looking for a number nine type – like Chris Wood is.
"He’s physical, strong and experienced in this league. He has potential to develop and has his best years in front of him.
"It’s exciting. He already has a proven goalscoring record and I think there are many goals to come. We think that he is the right player."
Wood tweeted that he was delighted to call himself a Leeds player.
"Delighted to say that I am a @LUFC player! Can't wait to get started & join in with the lads. Looking forward to a great season ahead #lufc."
Wolverhampton Wanderers were also in the race to sign Wood, but the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Wolves were not willing to equal Leeds United’s bid for the player, which could rise to £3 million (NZ$6.9 million) with add ons.
Wood was a bit-part player at Leicester City last season, before being loaned out to Ipswich Town in January.
He made 59 appearances for Leicester since joining the club in 2012, scoring 20 goals. His only goal for the club last season was in the season opener against Everton which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The deal is believed to be Leeds' largest transfer fee paid for a player since signing Nick Barmby from Liverpool in 2002.
