According to the Shields Gazette, Sunderland have been priced out of a move to sign Jordan Hugill, with Preston North End’s asking price too high.

Hugill has been on Sunderland’s radar for a lot of the summer, with Simon Grayson keen to bring the striker to the Stadium of Light to bolster his attacking options.

However, reports have now suggested that Hugill will prove to be too expensive for the Black Cats, who have spent little over £1m this summer, with any potential fee for the striker heading north of the £8m mark, with lots of interest from around the Sky Bet Championship.

Reading, Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all clubs reportedly interested in signing Hugill, who scored 12 Championship goals for Grayson at Preston last season.

The 25-year-old has continued his impressive goalscoring form at the start of the 2017/18 campaign, finding the net on three occasions, including once in the Championship.

That goal came in the 1-0 victory over Reading earlier this month.

With speculation surrounding Hugill’s future, the striker has handed in a transfer request to Preston, which the Deepdale club have instantly rejected, claiming that he will not be leaving the club between now and the end of the transfer window.

The Verdict

It is no surprise to hear that Sunderland have been priced out of a move for Hugill, with plenty of competition in the race to sign the striker.

Whilst Hugill undoubtedly has talent, Grayson’s attacking options have served him well so far this season, with Aiden McGeady, James Vaughan and Lewis Grabban all impressing following their summer arrivals.

Sunderland’s supporters will want to see more additions between now and the end of the summer, but many will feel money is better spent on another area of the pitch.

Sunderland fans… Let us know your thoughts!