Preston North End now face an even more difficult task to hold onto Jordan Hugill as Premier League duo West Ham United and Crystal Palace close in.
With just a few hours of the transfer window remaining, it appears that we are none the wiser as to where Preston North End striker Jordan Hugill will be playing his football next month.
It is understood that Palace have held talks with Hugill, who was omitted from the Preston squad for Tuesday’s clash with Nottingham Forest as speculation over his future intensified. Roy Hodgson’s side were reportedly willing to meet the 25-year-old’s £10 million asking price.
But, out of nowhere, West Ham have suddenly appeared as another potential destination for a striker who has ten Championship goals to his name this season.
The Mail (live transfer blog, 2.09pm) reports that the Hammers have made a late effort to hijack Palace’s move for Hugill; so it can be expected that they should be willing to pay a nine-figure sum to get their man.
West Ham have been on the lookout for a new striker all month and, after letting Diafra Sakho return to France with Rennes, are facing a race against time to find a replacement.
Hammers supporters, then, would be forgiven for wondering whether there is an element of panic involved as Hugill has emerged as an eleventh hour target.
If a deal for Sorloth goes through, however, West Ham could have a clear run at Hugill.
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