Championship outfit Leeds United shouldn’t be finished just yet with West Ham’s Premier League flop Jordan Hugill still available.
Leeds United have signed a proven, Championship striker at last. Patrick Bamford is the club’s new number nine, joining from Middlesbrough for £7 million according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
But the general consensus tends to be that Bamford alone is not enough. Though one of the league’s most naturally gifted players, the 24-year-old is prone to injury and real dips in form. With just a week remaining in the transfer window, Leeds could really do with adding another striker to their squad if they are to push for a place in the top six next season.
Bamford is in need of a partner or, at the very least, a solid back-up.
So now is the time to revisit their interest in Jordan Hugill.
The Whites have been linked with Hugill for some time, especially during his days at Preston North End, and The Sun stated in July that they were keen to rescue him from his disastrous spell at West Ham via a season-long loan deal.
The Middlesbrough-born striker moved to West Ham from Preston in January for £10 million but failed to start a single game.
Since then, the trail has grown cold and TEAMtalk report that Middlesbrough, who are looking to replace Bamford, are interested in the 27-year-old, who could cost £7 million if they want to sign him permanently. Given that Hugill is a born-and-raised Boro fan, you can see why his head could be turned.
But Leeds should not give up so easily. Strong and physical, he would be a good foil for the more elusive Bamford – though his £7 million price-tag means a loan deal seems more likely.
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