OPINION
With just two weeks until the Championship campaign kicks off, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be sweating over his lack of a new striker in his squad.
The Whites saw several new forwards arrive at Elland Road last summer but not one managed to hit the ground running, and only Caleb Ekuban remains with the first team as the rest saw themselves shipped out permanently or on loan.
A new striker is an absolute must for the Argentine boss if he wants to achieve his goals next season but despite reports linking the club with the likes of Matej Vydra – last season’s top scorer in the second tier – and proven hitman Abel Hernandez, he is still having to rely on the likes of converted winger Kemar Roofe up top.
Now, the Sun journalist is reporting on his personal Twitter account that director of football Victor Orta is under pressure to secure a new centre forward, and that West Ham’s Jordan Hugill is their next target before looking elsewhere.
Quite simply, there is no time to waste, and if Hugill is next on their shortlist then a move must be launched to snap him up on loan.
A permanent deal is likely out of the Whites’ reach but a temporary move for the Premier League forward is a realistic goal, and considering his record in the Championship, it is a no brainer.
The Elland Road outfit learned their lesson about going for unproven quantities last season in a move which backfired horribly, and with 100 second tier appearances and 23 goals under his belt, Hugill represents a much safer bet.
Risks do equal rewards but at the same time, as was the case 12 months ago, they can also sink like a tonne of bricks, and right now, a loan bid for Hugill is without a doubt the better option.