Jordan Hugill has scored the same number of goals as Sam Gallagher this season – and Sunderland may find the Preston frontman is a better fit too.
Sunderland are expected to face a tough challenge after dropping into the second tier for the first time in a decade. After all, they have neither the budget, the infrastructure or, arguably, the pulling power to repeat the remarkable feat of Championship title winners Newcastle United.
And it appears that manager David Moyes’ hopes to preside over a quick revival of his playing staff could also hit the buffers. Jermain Defoe’s impending exit means Sunderland must somehow replace their 14-goal talisman but Southampton targetman Sam Gallagher appeared a good bet, The Chronicle reports.
With 12 goals on loan at relegated Blackburn Rovers this season, the 21-year-old showed that he has the quality to thrive in the second tier and the physicality and work-rate to fit into Moyes’ lone-striker system.
The Chronicle reported that The Scot had scouted Gallagher personally on a number of occasions in recent months. However, after links with Aston Villa and Wolves, The Sun claim that Cardiff City have snuck to the head of the queue by offering Southampton £3 million.
Hug it out
Therefore, it makes sense for Sunderland to sound out potential alternatives with a deal on the knife edge. But if it’s a proven Championship goalscorer that Moyes wants as his number one frontman, how about Preston’s Jordan Hugill?
The 24-year-old has the same number of goals as Gallagher this season and would surely be a cheaper alternative. Furthermore, his strength in the air, ability to link play and bring midfielders into the attack bodes well for Moyes’ tactical blueprint.
And that’s without mentioning the fact that the Middlesbrough-born targetman is a local lad and could be enticed by the prospect of returning to his North East roots.
Though it’s not like Sunderland to take an astute approach to the market.
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