Leeds United are closing in on agreeing a deal that will see Hull City striker Abel Hernandez join the club on a free transfer.
The Uruguayan striker’s contract at the Tigers expires in a matter of weeks, and Leeds are clear favourites to sign him, with a reported deal of £40,000 a week being offered to Hernandez.
Leeds United have been in search of a striker since Pierre-Michel Lasogga returned to his parent club, and they have been linked with a number of names already this summer.
One player they have been heavily linked with is Peterborough United striker Jack Marriott, who stole the show for the Cambridgeshire club in Sky Bet League One last season, scoring 27 goals on his way to winning the division’s golden boot.
However, the signing of Abel Hernandez could spell the end of their interest in Jack Marriott, especially if Argentinian manager Marcelo Bielsa is appointed at Elland Road.
The former Athletic Bilbao manager is famous for playing with just one striker, and Jack Marriott will not want to join a club just to sit on the bench.
If Leeds do manage to get hold of Hernandez, it will be excellent news for Bristol City and Nottingham Forest, who are the two front runners in the pursuit for Marriott.
Leeds dropping out of the race increases City’s and Forest’s chances of bringing Marriott in, something which supporters of both clubs want.
Nottingham Forest have been in need of a proven goal scorer since the sale of Britt Assombalonga to Middlesbrough last season, whilst Bristol City are looking to strengthen their front line in a bid to challenge the top six next season.
