Leeds United are keen to sign Preston North End centre-forward Jordan Hugill in this month’s transfer window but it will take £8million to get him, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper claim that the Elland Road club “admire” the prolific striker and are keen to try and lure him away from their Championship rivals.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that Leeds’ current stance is that they are “unwilling” to meet the current £8million price tag placed on Hugill, 25, who handed in a transfer request at Deepdale back in the summer.
Football Insider explained earlier in the week that United director of football Victor Orta is lining up a concrete move for the player this month.
Hugill, who finished last season as Preston’s top scorer with 13 goals, has netted 10 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season to enhance his reputation as one of the best strikers in the Championship.
Good move for Leeds?
Yes. Leeds have struggled to replace the goals and impact of Chris Wood this season, with Pierre-Michel Lasogga the best of their group of strikers but failing to live up to the reputation that once placed him on the verge of the Germany national side. With Jay-Roy Grot more raw than an uncooked chicken, Caleb Ekuban frustrated by injury and Kemar Roofe more comfortable playing deeper, Hugill is a targetman who can lead the line, pull defenders out of position and create space for others. He also has a decent scoring record, with 30 goals from 111 Preston matches and is entering his peak years.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10.
Likely to happen?
At £8million? Definitely not. That is nearly triple what Leeds have spent on any player since their Premier League days. Andrea Radrizzani has done much good work since taking over at Elland Road but he is not the super-rich sugar daddy many fans would have hoped for. He wants the club to sensibly build and live within their means. For this deal to go through, the price for Hugill would need to come down by half.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.