Jordan Hugill’s torrid spell with West Ham United has been brought to a temporary end, with the striker joining Middlesbrough on a season-long loan.

Hugill arrived at the London Stadium from Preston North End in January for a fee thought to be in the region of £9.5m, but the striker struggled to make an impact, making just three appearances, all of which coming as a substitute.

With the Hammers reportedly closing in on a move for Arsenal’s Lucas Perez and with Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez above him in the pecking order, Manuel Pellegrini has now decided to let Hugill leave the club on loan just one day before the transfer deadline.

The 26-year-old striker has a decent goal-scoring record at Championship level over the last two seasons, having scored 20 goals in 72 appearances in the division for Preston.

Hugill, who started his career in the Northern League before joining Port Vale, will now be hoping to recapture that form under Tony Pulis at Middlesbrough, who will undoubtedly be looking to challenge for promotion this season after finishing in the Play Offs last time around.

Boro started the campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Millwall on Saturday, which was backed up by a 3-0 win over Sheffield United last night.

Hugill, who will wear number 11, will now battle with the likes of Britt Assombalonga, Martin Braithwaite, Ashley Fletcher and Rudy Gestede to lead Boro’s forward line over the course of the campaign.