Leeds United are reportedly keen on West Ham United’s Jordan Hugill.
Leeds United remain in the market for a new striker ahead of the Championship season getting under way, but their efforts so far have been foiled.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported on Monday that deals for Derby County’s Matej Vydra and former Hull City striker Abel Hernandez are going cold, and that may force Leeds to look elsewhere.
The Sun claim that Leeds are now turning their attention to West Ham United’s Jordan Hugill, with new manager Marcelo Bielsa allegedly keen on a season-long loan deal for the 26-year-old.
Hugill signed for West Ham in January after hitting eight league goals for Preston North End in the first half of last season, but was given just 22 minutes of Premier League in action in what turned out to be a strange transfer.
Hugill already looks to be surplus to requirements at the London Stadium, and whilst Leeds fans may prefer other, more ‘flashy’ strikers, Hugill may just fit the bill for new boss Bielsa.
Hugill is big, burly and hard-working, and whilst he isn’t the most technically-gifted striker of all time, history suggests that he could be just what Bielsa wants to lead his attack.
Bielsa has got plenty out of strikers with similar attributes – strength and aerial ability – in the past, as now-Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente was given superb service under Bielsa, and hit 34 goals across two seasons with the Argentinian at the helm.
The same can be said of Andre-Pierre Gignac at Marseille. Gignac – similar to Hugill in terms of height and build – hit 22 goals in just 38 games under Bielsa, leading the line perfectly in Bielsa’s 3-3-1-3 system.
Target men have thrived under Bielsa before, and if Leeds can secure the West Ham misfit’s signature, then there is plenty of reason for Leeds fans to be excited about his prospects with Bielsa at the helm.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
