OPINION
Leeds should seriously consider joining the race to sign Preston forward Jordan Hugill this summer to help bolster their frontline.
The Northern Echo report that Sunderland are set to make a fresh move for the 25-year-old this week and want to wrap up a deal before Friday.
It is understood that they will have to pay at least £4million to land his signature, with Preston already rejecting £2.5million offers from Birmingham and Ipswich.
Leeds must hijack any moves for Hugill and take him to Elland Road ahead of the new season.
Thomas Christiansen does have the prolific Chris Wood at his disposal and he will be heavily relied upon to match last season’s form, while summer signing Caleb Ekuban and out of favour Marcus Antonsson provide alternatives.
However, the Yorkshire giants are going to need a strong depth to their squad if they want to earn promotion and an additional forward would improve their chances hugely.
Hugill looks like someone who could do a brilliant job for the Whites and he showed his qualities in the Championship last season.
The target man made 47 appearances across all competitions in the last campaign and managed 13 goals in return.
He could be a like-for-like replacement for Wood in the side if needed and has shown that he is capable of leading the line, with his fast thinking and speed making him a nuisance for defenders.
Hugill is very strong at bringing his team-mates into play and has the physical presence to be the sole player spearheading the attack, something that Wood has become so good at.
The Preston ace is also clinical in front of goal when given an opportunity and would thrive off the service of Pablo Hernandez, Kemar Roofe and Ezgjan Alioski.