If one of the latest reports is to be believed, Championship outfit Reading are one of the favourites to sign Preston North End’s in-demand striker Jordan Hugill before the summer transfer window closes. Hugill has been one of the most sought after names this summer, with two other Championship outfits in Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers also keeping a close eye on him.
Jaap Stam took his side very close to earning a promotion to the Premier League last season but succumbed during the penalty shootouts against Huddersfield Town in the final of the playoffs. However, it was quite riveting to see the manner in which Stam marshalled his troops and derived the best out of them. The Dutchman would be kept to impose themselves as a serious contender for the uplift this time around as well.
The Royals have been pretty sharp in chalking the right deals in order to better the quality of their arsenal, having already lured the likes of Modou Barrow, Vito Mannone and Leonardo Bacuna to the Madejski Stadium. However, Stam is still very keen to add a sharp attacking tooth up front and have thus placed their sight on an appealing commodity.
However, Preston North End have rejected their bid of £8million to sign Hugill, though Reading should not be deterred by the denial.
Hugill has been in the books of the Lilywhites since the summer of 2014 and has carved a fine name for himself. The Englishman banged 13 goals across all competitions last season and was Preston’s leading goal scorer. He has continued his form this season as well, for he has scored 3 goals in 7 games across all competitions for Alex Neil’s side.
A tall and mobile forward, the 25-year-old is a clinical poacher inside the box and links with his teammates in an appealing manner. He holds the well and brings his teammates into the equation. Hugill maintains his composure, creates ample amount of chances and toils relentlessly throughout the pitch in order to make something happen for his side.
Besides, the former Port Vale man knows where the goal is and has accumulated plenty of experience under his belt. Neil is an admirer of Hugill and thus, he is expected to be reluctant to let the attacker leave Deepdale this summer if they are not handed a handsome amount of transfer fee.
This implies that Reading will have to tempt Preston with a more lucrative bid, and frankly speaking, Reading should launch a fresh bid for a player whose entry would elevate the quality of their attack.
