This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
West Ham United are reportedly lining up a move for QPR midfielder Eberechi Eze according to a report from Football Insider.
The 21-year-old has been a key member of the QPR squad this season, and has chipped in with 12 goals and eight assists for the club in all competitions in the 2019/20 campaign.
In an interview with Football Insider, former Leeds United man Noel Whelan felt as though Jordan Hugill should be included in a swap deal between the two clubs that would see Eze head to West Ham in the summer.
Hugill has spent this year's campaign on loan with Mark Warburton's side, and has been impressive, having scored 13 goals in his 37 appearances for the Hoops this term.
QPR are well in contention to challenge for a top-six finish in the Championship this season, and Warburton will be hoping that both Eze and Hugill can play their part in that bid for a timely return to the Premier League.
But would it be a good deal for QPR if Hugill signed for the club from West Ham, with Eze heading to the Hammers?
We discuss....
George Harbey:
It wouldn't be a bad idea to try and get Hugill permanently, in my opinion, and it would definitely soften the blow of potentially losing Eze.
Personally, I don't think that Hugill is ready for the Premier League yet, and I feel that he needs another year in the Championship to keep on finding the net and keep on developing as a player. He is settled in West London, it seems, and is playing under a manager who clearly believes in him and gives him regular playing time.
They need to ensure that they still get a decent sum of money for Eze as well potentially getting Hugill, though, as Eze leaving would be a big blow because he's a massive talent.
With only one year left on his deal, that will definitely be hard, but QPR need to stand firm and not allow West Ham to dictate what happens in this potential deal
Alfie Burns:
You can see the rational behind such a deal, but I’m not sure QPR are getting quality for quality if that trade was to be made.
Hugill is a decent striker and 13 goals whilst on loan isn’t to be sniffed at, however, he isn’t in Eze’s league in terms of talent and you’ve got to feel the R’s might be better off pocketing as much money as possible rather than a player-plus-cash deal.
That way, maximum effort can go into sourcing a like-for-like replacement for one of the Championship’s top talents.
It’ll cost if QPR are forced to replace Eze, but given his importance, I can’t see how they can afford to do that on the cheap.
Can you score full marks in this higher or lower QPR quiz?
Ned Holmes:
This is a very shrewd idea and would make a lot of sense.
Hugill has been fantastic for the R's this season and Warburton doesn't have a huge number of options upfront, so signing him permanently would be a smart idea.
They know he fits the system and the attitude of the club, so for me it's a move they should try and get done.
Obviously, losing Eze is far from ideal but it makes a lot of sense for QPR to try and make sure they get something positive for their attacking unit out of that deal.