West Ham are facing a battle to secure mooted target Chris Wood, according to emerging reports...

What's the word?

The Mirror claimed that the Irons are one of three Premier League clubs eyeing up a move for the Burnley striker ahead of the summer transfer window, which is set to open on Wednesday.

Aston Villa and Everton are also said to be monitoring his situation, with the latter waiting to see whether their next manager wants to pursue a deal or not.

The Clarets will not want to lose such an integral player, especially as he has two years to run on his current contract at Turf Moor, but every player has his price and it's thought that Wood is valued in the region of £30m, as per Football Insider.

Moyes' next Ferguson

Football Insider added that David Moyes is a huge admirer of the 29-year-old because of his physicality, finishing ability and knack for spearheading the attack.

This should come as no surprise, though, as every club the Scotsman has managed has had a player of this calibre - an aggressive and in-your-face target man.

The most famous example is Duncan Ferguson at Goodison Park, where Moyes' fellow countryman played 108 times across five seasons under him before working alongside him in a coaching capacity.

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Wood has been a prolific goalscorer in the English top flight in recent seasons, hitting double figures in each of his last four campaigns, including a tally of 14 goals in 32 appearances during 2019/20, via Transfermarkt.

Premier League record scorer Alan Shearer knows a thing or two about scoring goals in the big time and he's a big fan of Wood, too.

"I like him, I like what he does for the team and he is the focal point for them He is very good at occupying two centre-halves," claimed the former Newcastle and Blackburn talisman, via Lancs Live, before adding: "He can keep hold of it and bring other players into the game. He is horrible to play against and he won't give defenders a moment's peace."

Wood has also been described as a "natural goalscorer" by his former boss Garry Monk, as well as someone who is "frightening" to come up against by old Milwall teammate Scott Malone, so there are plenty of reasons why the 1.91m (6 foot 3) powerhouse could fit Moyes' eye.

It's no secret that the 58-year-old will be absolutely desperate for another striker this summer, having lost Sebastian Haller during the January transfer window with no backup in sight.

The Irons cannot afford to go into the new season with just Michail Antonio as a centre-forward option, so the vastly experienced 56-cap New Zealand international could well be a shrewd piece of business if West Ham pull it off.

GSB must look to sanction this deal as Moyes may well unearth his next Duncan Ferguson at the London Stadium.

AND in other news, Hammers suffer BLOW in pursuit of "incredible" 30-goal target, Moyes will be fuming...