Manchester United striker Joe Hugill is reportedly set to be rewarded for his ongoing development with a new contract at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old played a prominent role for Erik ten Hag in pre-season, featuring on five occasions and finding the back of the net in a 2-0 win over Leeds United.
Since competitive action resumed, Hugill has not made another first-team squad, but the 2003-born marksman has made a stellar start to the campaign for the Under-21s with four goals in five matches.
Hugill scored one goal and set up another in a 10-1 crushing of Stoke City in the Premier League 2 last month, before netting a brace as captain in a 5-5 draw with Sunderland.
The 6ft 2in attacker also found the back of the net in the Red Devils' EFL Trophy opener with Stockport County, which they won on penalties, and he is believed to have impressed Ten Hag.
© Reuters
Hugill's current contract with the 20-time English champions expires at the end of the season, but according to the Manchester Evening News, the striker will soon put pen to paper on fresh terms.
Amid reported interest from several EFL clubs, Hugill can expect a wage increase as part of his new terms, which will run until the summer of 2026 with the option of a further 12 months.
The Englishman was unsurprisingly linked with a loan exit over the summer in order to gain more first-team experience, and a return to former club Sunderland - whom he left in 2020 - was mooted.
However, Man United decided against letting Hugill leave on a temporary basis, as the club felt that it was best for the striker to continue his development in Manchester.
A January move away has not been ruled out, though, and Sunderland are still believed to be keeping tabs on Hugill's performances ahead of the reopening of the transfer window.
© Reuters
Hugill was also on the books at the Newcastle United academy before leaving for Sunderland, and he netted 18 goals in just 24 games for the Man United Under-18 team following his arrival.
Since being promoted to the Under-21 squad, the striker has made another 50 appearances - scoring 27 goals and providing three assists - including 11 efforts in 12 Premier League 2 matches last term.
Hugill was loaned out to National League side Altrincham for the second half of last season, but he only played seven times for the club, scoring on his debut against York City.
The 19-year-old is yet to make his competitive debut for Man United, though, and he was left out of their travelling squad for Wednesday's 4-3 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich.
Following previous losses to Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion, the Red Devils will be out to avoid a fourth successive beating when they travel to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday night.
