ROY HODGSON hopes to end Crystal Palace’s tortuous search for a striker by splashing out £8million on Preston North End’s Jordan Hugill.

The Eagles boss has tried and failed to land a string of targets this month.

3 Crystal Palace are hoping to agree an £8million deal for Preston striker Jordan Hugill Credit: Rex Features

They include Burnley’s Ashley Barnes, West Ham’s Diafro Sakho and Eder from Inter Milan.

Palace hope to persuade Preston to part with 25-year-old Hugill.

The hotshot has hit 10 goals in the Championship this season.

The unsettled striker slapped in a transfer request during the summer which Preston rejected.

3 Roy Hodgson has been desperately trying to bolster his forward line this month Credit: Getty Images - Getty

3 Hugill has scored ten goals for the Championship side this season Credit: Reuters

And in December manager Alex Neill insisted Hugill would not be sold in January.

However the arrival of Motherwell striker Louis Moult has opened the door for Hugill to earn a shock move to Premier League Palace.

And it appears to be on the verge of completion after the clubs came to an agreement last night.

The star could even watch his team-mates in action tonight.

Palace travel to London neighbours and relegation rivals West Ham for a crunch clash.

Hodgson’s men are currently sitting in 13th spot but remain just three points above the drop zone.

The Hammers have a point more than Palace and sit two places above them.

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