Joe Hugill is set to sign a new contract with Manchester United.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the striker will put pen to paper on a new deal after rumours linking him with a return to Sunderland.
Durham-born Hugill came up through the youth ranks on Wearside before Manchester United fought off competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to sign him for only £300,000.
The teenager has really impressed for United’s U-21 side recently, netting eleven goals in only 12 games last season and scoring three in four this time round.
Hugill’s brilliant form for the U-21s has reportedly earned him a new three-year contract with the Red Devils, despite the youngster still waiting on his senior debut.
The news comes just days after Sunderland were linked with their former academy player, with Alan Nixon reporting that they are considering a loan bid in the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old will be eager to pick up some regular first team football as he looks to develop past the U-21 side, while the Black Cats are still keen to bolster their attack.
However, it is unclear whether Hugill’s new contract will affect Sunderland’s plans to bring the striker back to the Stadium of Light.
Manchester United’s recent problems in attack could mean Hugill picks up a few senior appearances this season, though they may also see a loan move as much more beneficial to the player.
Do Sunderland need Joe Hugill?
Joe Hugill is clearly a huge talent, though we already knew that when we sold him three years ago.
The forward could be a very good addition to Sunderland’s frontline in January and could benefit further from the fact that he will already be familiar with the players and staff, while he will be near his family too.
However, his return to Sunderland may depend on how Mason Burstow does between now and the new year. The Chelsea loanee has struggled in his opening two games, but if he can get off the mark and bag some goals it would be difficult to see where Hugill would fit in.
When everyone is fit, there will be Burstow, Eliezer Mayenda, Nazariy Rusyn and others all fighting for a place in the team. Adding another young forward may have a negative impact on our permanent signings.