Sunderland are pushing to sign Preston North End striker Jordan Hugill.
According to The Northern Echo, Sunderland manager Simon Grayson wants to tie up a deal for Preston North End striker Jordan Hugill before Friday.
The Black Cats boss has tied up a host of new signings this summer, with Jason Steele, Tyias Browning, Brendan Galloway, Aiden McGeady, Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan all arriving.
However, having been thrashed 5-0 by Celtic in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon, fans are again concerned about Sunderland’s prospects heading into the Championship season.
Despite landing Grabban and Vaughan, Grayson seemingly still wants another striker, with The Northern Echo reporting that Grayson hopes to tie up a deal to sign Preston striker Jordan Hugill this week.
Grayson signed Hugill for Preston from Port Vale in the summer of 2014, and whilst he had been a solid contributor, Hugill enjoyed his best campaign last season with 13 goals in all competitions.
The 25-year-old spent much of his career in non-league football with Seaham Red Star, Consett, Whitby Town and Marske United, and even had a spell in Spain with the Glenn Hoddle Academy.
Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden is challenged by Jordan Hugill of Preston
A powerful, hard-working centre forward who has been a nuisance to defences in the Championship, Middlesbrough-born Hugill could now be in line for a return to the North East as Sunderland attempt to seal a deal.
Grayson understandably wants a deal for Hugill tied up before Sunderland kick off their Championship season against Derby County on Friday, but a fee of at least £4million will be needed as Grayson looks to strike a deal with the club he left last month.
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