Manchester United will reportedly win the race for the Sheffield Wednesday striker.
Jos Luhukay has told the BBC it will be hard for Sheffield Wednesday to compete with Manchester United, if the Premier League side are indeed interested in signing George Hirst.
Hirst has entered the final three months of contract at Wednesday, and won’t be considered for first team selection unless he accepts the Owls’ offer of a new deal.
The Mirror reported on Sunday that United are set to win the race for the England Under-19 striker, ahead of top flight rivals Everton, Newcastle United and Leicester City.
And, asked if Hirst’s departure is inevitable this summer, Wednesday boss Luhukay conceded: “It is a decision George will make himself. I think it is very difficult to say no when a big club such as Manchester United is interested.
“If George stays here I am unbelievably happy, but I must also accept and respect if George makes a decision to spend his future elsewhere.”
Hirst’s father, David, was also courted by Manchester United during his Hillsborough career, and later expressed regret at having never made the switch to Old Trafford.
Despite Hirst’s contract situation, Sheffield Wednesday are entitled to training compensation should the lifelong Owls fan leave them this summer.
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