Leeds United face losing out to Crystal Palace in their bid to sign Preston North End striker Jordan Hugill despite tabling an £8million bid, according to reports.
The Mirror claimed in its print edition on Tuesday January 30 (page 47) that Leeds have tested Preston’s resolve to keep hold of Hugill with a massive offer for the £10million-rated striker.
It is said that the bid is just £2million short of their Championship rivals’ valuation of the front man, although it would represent £3.5million more than United have spent on any player in the last 16 years.
However, the Sun subsequently reported that Crystal Palace are set to beat Leeds to the signing of Hugill, 25.
The newspaper claim that the Premier League outfit have reached an agreement with Preston to sign the striker for a fee of £8million after failing in their pursuit of a number of forwards, including Burnley’s Ashley Barnes, West Ham’s Diafro Sakho and Eder from Inter Milan.
Hugill has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Preston this term, scoring 10 goals in the process.
Good move for Leeds?
Yes. Leeds are crying out for a proven striker who knows how the find the back of the net on a regular basis. 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 112 Preston matches and is entering his peak years. He would certainly be an upgrade on Kemar Roofe (better operating from deep), Pierre Michel Lasogga (went missing for two-and-a-half months), Caleb Ekuban (striken by injury) and Jay-Roy Grot (horribly lacking in finesse or experience).
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10.
Likely to happen?
It appears Leeds’ stunning late bid, which would have been the most they have spent since signing Robbie Fowler from Liverpool for £11million in November 2001, is doomed to failure. Palace have the resources to blow Leeds out of the water by offering a far higher signing-on fee and wages.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10.