Wood has Leeds greats in sight

New Zealander Wood, 23, became Leeds' biggest signing since the arrival of Nick Barmby in 2002 when completing his move from Leicester on Wednesday for an undisclosed fee, understood to rise to £3million.

Hasselbaink struck 22 goals in his first season at Leeds in the Premier League in 1997-98 and was joint-winner of the Golden Boot with Michael Owen and Dwight Yorke the following campaign when he fired 18 in the league.

Australian Viduka was equally popular at Elland Road, scoring 72 goals in 166 appearances for the club over four seasons and Wood is keen to make a similar impact.

When it was suggested Leeds fans love a goalscoring centre-forward, Wood replied: "Definitely. You just need to look back at Viduka and Hasselbaink and players like that.

"The number nines who have come through this club are historic and if I can do anything like my fellow Oceania man like Viduka I'll be very pleased with that."

Leeds head coach Uwe Rosler made a big striker his top priority soon after replacing Neil Redfearn in May and Wood is relishing the challenge.

"Of course, it is a nice sort of pressure," Wood said. "They are backing me, but of course, I feel like I back myself in the Championship.

"It might not happen overnight and I will have to gel with the team. But that's why coming in at the start of pre-season will help out very well.

"I want to be successful and the club to be successful. We are on the same page and I hope we get up there."

Wolves were among other clubs keen to sign him, but Wood had no doubts he had made the right choice after his first training session at Thorp Arch.

"Leeds showed their love," he added. "As a player you can't describe how much it feels to have someone who wants you here.

"Even in the last few days, you could see on social media that fans were very happy and hoping I would come here.

"To see that, you feel a sense of pride and think: 'Yes, I want to be here'.

"That makes all the difference when you are turning up to a club new and you have people on your side, so you can build for the season."