HITC Sport understands Preston reject Birmingham bid for striker.

Derby’s Jacob Butterfield in action with Preston North End’s Jordan Hugill

Birmingham City have had a bid for Preston North End striker Jordan Hugill rejected, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Hugill is regarded as one of the best young forwards in the Championship after catching the eye for Preston last season.

The 24-year-old has impressed at Preston since joining from Port Vale in 2014 after starting his career in non-league football.

Hugill finished as their top scorer this season with 13 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.

Ipswich have held a long-term interest in Hugill and saw two bids for the powerful forward rejected by Preston during the January transfer window.

Wolves have bid for Hugill already this summer, while former North End boss Simon Grayson has been linked with a reunion with the striker at Sunderland, but now Birmingham are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by luring the forward to St. Andrew’s.

Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp is looking to add some genuine Championship quality to his squad at St Andrew’s for next season after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

Preston have rejected Birmingham’s opening £2.5million offer for Hugill and it remains to be seen if they will come back with an improved bid with the player understood to be interested in a move to the Blues.

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