EXCLUSIVE By Pete O’Rourke

West Ham are in advanced talks with Preston North End over the sale of striker Jordan Hugill, Football Insider understands.

The Premier League club are willing to let the 27-year-old move on this summer despite the lack of striking options at the London Stadium following the sales of Marko Arnautovic and Lucas Perez, and the release of Andy Carroll.

A West Ham source has told Football Insider that Preston are working on a deal to bring Hugill back to Deepdale this summer as Alex Neil looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion to the Premier League next season.

Negotiations have been held over a permanent deal and there is a growing sense that the two clubs can come to an agreement in this window.

Hugill spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough and he does not figure in the long-term plans of Manuel Pellegrini after being omitted from the West Ham squad for their pre-season tour of Asia.

The striker joined West Ham from Preston for £8million during the winter transfer window in 2018, but he has made only three first-team appearances for the Hammers.

Hugill was a big fans’ favourite during his time at Preston, scoring 30 goals in 114 appearances.

Preston have money to finance a move for Hugill after selling Callum Robinson to Sheffield United last week in a deal originally revealed by Football Insider.

In other West Ham news, it can be REVEALED that the club are to submit a mammoth English-club striker offer.