Leeds United have been heavily linked with a loan move for West Ham United’s Jordan Hugill over the past week, with reports stating that the deal has nearly been finalised.
However, there has been an unexpected disruption on West Ham’s side of the deal which could threaten to derail the signing altogether.
Thursday night broke the news that Andy Carroll has undergone surgery on an ankle problem, which will keep the towering striker out of action for another three months.
This could be a huge setback in Leeds’ pursuit of Hugill, who Mauricio Pellegrino may opt to keep around the club, for the first half of the season at least.
Leeds have already suffered considerable disappointment in the transfer window this season, especially in the striker department. Marcelo Bielsa has prioritised a new frontman ahead of the new season but is really struggling to land any of his major targets.
The Whites saw a deal for Matej Vydra collapse late on, while speculation surrounding a move for Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia seems to have gone flat.
Hugill almost seems like a last roll of the dice for Bielsa in the striker department in the transfer market and should this move fall through, Kemar Roofe could find himself starting up top for the Whites come August time.
Pellegrini could still opt to loan out Hugill as the former Preston man clearly has little future at the London Stadium, at least during Pellegrini’s reign at the club, although they may look to secure another striker first.
