West Ham striker Jordan Hugill is being lined up by boyhood club Middlesbrough for a transfer swoop in what would be a dream move, according to TEAMtalk.
The football news website claim that the Championship side are looking to replace Patrick Bamford, who has made a move across the second division to Leeds United, and that Middlesbrough born Hugill, who is a Boro fan, is in their sights.
It is stated that after joining the Hammers for £10million back in January, the former Preston man is set to be allowed to leave after already being deemed surplus to requirements by manager Manuel Pellegrini and that the player is keen on securing a move back to his home town.
Good move for West Ham?
Absolutely, for getting Hugill off their books helps with their vast amount of transfer business.
He simply does not have a place in the squad heading into the new season and keeping him around is only going to be a waste of money, so shipping him out is a no brainer.
Middlesbrough seem keen and Hugill is definitely going to want to move to the team he supports, so it is just a case of making sure that the deal is in West Ham’s favour.
They are likely to make a loss on his exit – £10million was a lot to pay in January – so it is about ensuring that they recoup as much of that fee as possible after what has been a disappointing stint in east London.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
That depends on if Boro have the cash to splash for his capture, and after selling Bamford to Leeds earlier this week, they should certainly have enough in the bank to take Hugill home.
There really should not be too many issues to this deal going ahead, and the sentimental value of Hugill being a Middlesbrough fan should help ease things through the process.
Hugill in red and white next season? It certainly seems likely.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10