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West Ham are likely to offload a number of players in the market this summer that Manuel Pellegrini decides are surplus to requirements and one of the first departures could be a striker.

Jordan Hugill has managed just 22 minutes of Premier League football after his Deadline Day acquisition from Preston in January and Pellegrini has decided he does not want the 26-year-old next season.

A return to the Championship on-loan is on the cards, with QPR said to be leading the charge for the experienced forward, but Football.London states they will have competition in the market.

Hugill’s former employers Preston are keen on bringing the forward back to the club for next season, while Sheffield Wednesday are also looking to complete a deal.

It is highly unlikely that a permanent sale will be sanctioned unless the Hammers can capture near the reported £10m figure they paid for Hugill’s services this summer – and that is unlikely to be offered due to his wage demands being higher than most Championship sides can afford.