EXCLUSIVE: Middlesbrough turn attention to West Ham target man

Joe Williams
Jordan Hugill West Ham

Middlesbrough are looking to finalise a deal for Martyn Waghorn this week, before turning their attention to a new target man – which could be Teessider Jordan Hugill.

Having allowed Patrick Bamford to leave the club, Boro are confident of sealing a deal for Ipswich man Waghorn – who is looking likely to return to the North East having started his career with Sunderland.

The South Shields-born 28-year-old is set to cost around £7million – and his ability to play on either wing, as well as up-front, is believed to be a huge attraction for Boro.

Pulis is still also wanting a new out and out centre forward, and Burnley’s Sam Vokes was his top target, but now TEAMTalk can reveal that West Ham’s Jordan Hugill could be set for a move to his hometown club.

Boro’s recruitment team have identified Hugill as the best option after Vokes, who Burnley are not keen on allowing to leave at this point in time.

Boro fan Hugill joined The Hammers in January from Preston for £10million, but looks surplus to requirements

Other clubs such as Aston Villa are keen, but Hugill is understood to be keen on making the move to Middlesbrough – who he grew up supporting, and would no doubt be a popular signing for the Teesside club, who have signed only two players this summer in the shape of Aden Flint and Paddy McNair.

Boro’s transfer options have been limited, as the expected departures of big names Adama Traore, Ben Gibson and Martin Braithwaite have not come to pass and all three remain available to Pulis.