Football: All Whites striker Chris Wood set for EPL move to Burnley

AAP

19 Aug, 2017 10:02 PM2 mins to read

Chris Wood in action for the All Whites at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. Photo / Photosport.

All Whites striker Chris Wood has reportedly signed to play in the English Premier League with Burnley.

The 25-year-old has signed for a reported STG15 million ($NZ26.5 million) move 30km west in what will be a record signing for the Lancashire club.

Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen confirmed Wood's departure, following his club's 2-0 win away over Sunderland on Sunday morning (NZT).

"When one player doesn't want to stay, there is nothing I can do. I only want players who are 100 percent with the team," he told Sky Sports.

Prolific marksman Wood, who scored 30 goals in all competitions for Leeds last year, turned down a big-money three-year deal from Leeds on Friday.

"We showed it's not about one player, we're about the team, no one is above the team," Christiansen told The Guardian.

"Yesterday Chris rejected a very good offer from us. That means his mind is not with Leeds - and I only want players who'll fight for the shirt."

Nevertheless, Christiansen still respected the Kiwi's decision to depart to England's top flight football division.

"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 [a] 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 sat out his scheduled match for Leeds United against Sunerland in the second-tier English Championship because of what he says would be a conflict while he discusses shifting clubs.

"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," he wrote on Twitter.

"I wish the team all the best and hope the lads can pick up the three points."