Middlesbrough have held talks with West Ham United as they look to sign Jordan Hugill on loan, Sky Sports News reports.

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini does not see Hugill in his first-team plans this year and will allow him to leave the club on a temporary basis.

The Middlesbrough-born forward is closing in on a return to his hometown after managing just three short substitute cameos for the Hammers following his £9.5m deadline day switch from Preston North End.

At Preston, the 26-year-old scored 12 goals in the 2016/17 season and had hit eight goals in 27 games last season until he moved to East London.

But with Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic as the first-choice strikers, and with Lucas Perez expected to join from Arsenal too, Hugill will be allowed to leave.

Boro are set to snap him up as a replacement for Patrick Bamford, who moved to Leeds United.

The Verdict

Hugill would be a good signing for Middlesbrough and you know what you get with him and he is a local lad.

With his strength and non-stop running, Hugill works hard for the team and is a useful option up front.

He can also score goals at Championship level and he would probably end up with about 15 strikes if he has a full season at Boro.

Middlesbrough fans - Good signing? Let us know below...