Hugill is expected to leave West Ham this summer, and has been linked with Aston Villa.
The Sun claimed earlier this week that the 26-year-old forward is a target for Aston Villa, after becoming surplus to requirements at West Ham following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as manager.
TeamTalk claim that Hugill is Middlesbrough’s next best option to Burnley forward Sam Vokes, and the former Preston powerhouse is likely to be tempted with a move to the Riverside as he is a boyhood fan of the club.
Hugill left Preston to join West Ham in the January transfer window, becoming David Moyes’ second signing as West Ham manager but has managed just three substitute appearances for the east Londoners.
He remains well down the pecking order behind the likes of Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez, while Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic can also ply their trade up front.
It is believed that Hugill would be keen on a move to Middlesbrough, who have signed just two players this summer under Tony Pulis in the form of defender Aden Flint and midfielder Paddy McNair.
Boro are said to be closing in on a £7million move for Ipswich Town striker Martyn Waghorn, but it is said the club will turn their attention to Hugill once they complete the signing of the former Rangers and Leicester City hitman.
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