Sunderland are reportedly keen to sign Jordan Hugill before Friday.
Sunderland’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements goes on this week, as manager Simon Grayson attempts to reunite with Preston North End striker Jordan Hugill.
New boss Grayson has already brought in two strikers this summer, with James Vaughan and Lewis Grabban both arriving from Bury and Bournemouth respectively.
However, having lost Jermain Defoe, Victor Anichebe and Fabio Borini over the summer, Sunderland’s attacking options have been dented, and Grayson seemingly still wants another centre forward.
The Northern Echo reported on Sunday that Sunderland are hoping to sign Preston striker Jordan Hugill, with manager Grayson keen to reunite with him before Friday’s kick off against Derby County.
Hugill, 25, was a bargain signing for North End back in the summer of 2014 as Grayson swooped to land him from Port Vale, and he enjoyed his best season to date last term, notching 13 goals in all competitions.
The burly centre forward is unsurprisingly wanted by Grayson again having played such a key role under him last season, but Preston are standing firm so far in the hope of keeping their top goalscorer from last term.
Speculation surrounding Hugill’s future has split Preston fans though, with many taking to Twitter to urge the club to take the money and run for a player whose game surrounds hard work and physical prowess rather than technical ability, with a suggestion that he won’t fit into the new style of play under Grayson’s replacement, Alex Neil.
Others believe Hugill is underrated and shouldn’t be sold this summer, and are worried that Preston wouldn’t be able to replace him suitably in the final month of the transfer window, with questions over just how much Neil will get to re-invest should Hugill leave.
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