Leeds United’s Chris Wood has now been installed as the joint favourite to finish the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship campaign as the division’s top goalscorer with leading bookmaker, SkyBet.

Britt Assombalonga was the heavy favourite during pre-season, but Wood is now the 9/1 favourite alongside the Middlesbrough striker, to retain the end of season ‘Golden Boot’ after he opened his goalscoring account during Leeds' first fixture of the campaign.

Leeds were 3-2 winners at Bolton Wanderers, with Wood scoring midway through the first-half with a well timed header, whilst Assombalonga and Boro struggled to break down Wolverhampton Wanderers a day earlier, losing 1-0.

Wood is now considered the favourite to pick up the award he won last season, after the 25-year-old bagged 27 Championship goals for Leeds during the 2016/17 campaign.

There is still plenty of speculation surrounding Wood’s future this summer, with some reports suggesting Brighton and Hove Albion were preparing a £12m bid for the Leeds striker.

However, the likelihood is that Leeds will not listen to offers of less than £15m, the same price Assombalonga moved to Middlesbrough for earlier this summer.

Other reports have suggested that Leeds have since raised Wood’s valuation to £20m, following Assombalonga’s high-profile switch to the North East.

The Verdict

It was a surprise to see Wood not installed as the Golden Boot favourite at the start of the season, particularly after his prolific form last season.

The New Zealand international started the season magnificently for Leeds, getting himself a goal and proving to be a constant threat throughout for Thomas Christiansen’s side.

Wood will be crucial for Leeds in the coming season, and if the Whites are to end their long wait for a Premier League return, their clinical striker will have to be at his best.

Who do you think will finish the season as the Championship’s top goalscorer? Let us know your thoughts!