TWTD understands Town are hoping to complete the loan signing of summer target George Hirst, who has spent the first half of the season on loan at Blackburn Rovers from Leicester City.

TWTD revealed in May last year that striker Hirst was being targeted by the Blues with discussions regarding a permanent switch continuing for much of the summer.

However, the 23-year-old ultimately signed a new three-year contract with the Foxes and was sent out on loan to Championship Rovers in a season-long loan deal which included an option to buy.

But Hirst has had a frustrating time at Ewood Park, making only three starts and eight sub appearances without scoring.

We understand that that spell is set to be cut short with Hirst then expected to finally complete a move to the Blues until the end of the season.

Town have been aiming to add to their striking ranks early in the window and we understand will remain interested in Everton frontman Nathan Broadhead, for whom they’ve lodged a £1 million bid, even once the Hirst move is concluded.

Former England U17s, U18s and U19s international Hirst spent 2021/22 on loan at Portsmouth, scoring 15 goals in 32 starts and 14 sub appearances, all from November onwards.

Hirst, the son of former Sheffield Wednesday and England frontman David, started his career with the Owls before joining Belgian second division side OH Leuven in June 2018, then a year later moved on to Leicester.

Since signing for the Foxes the 6ft 3in tall frontman, who played alongside Andre Dozzell, Flynn Downes, Tristan Nydam and Nick Hayes with the Young Lions, has made only two sub appearances, spending time on loan at Saturday’s opponents Rotherham in 2020/21, failing to score in four starts and 28 appearances from the bench, before last season’s spell at Pompey.

Photo: Reuters

boroughblue added 17:42 - Jan 5 Think this may get a mixed reaction, and I guess I can understand why. Overall though, he's a striker, which even I can agree now that we need at least one more, and he will get my full support if he signs. Him and Broadhead would be two good striker addictions I think, another number 10 and we're looking good I think. Massive second half of the season on its way
8

Bazza8564 added 17:49 - Jan 5 Get him on loan, if he cuts the mustard and we go up, we can buy him. Buy both Whittaker and Taylor and we would be very very strong indeed
6

ruds added 17:51 - Jan 5 Now we are talking!!! Name, signature, dotted line…. Confidence is coming!
1

Suffolkboy added 17:52 - Jan 5 I'd imagine whoever comes will have been thoroughly vetted ,for character, technical ability, physical commitment and willingness to learn . In K.M and co we should place our trust ; he's a fair idea of strengths and adaptability to complement the squad and we must hope for good news soon . COYB
8

billlm added 17:57 - Jan 5 What he does do, he's amenace he assists,prolific goal scorer not ATM, good coaching will sort that, Pulls defences creates space,
1

Bezzer added 18:00 - Jan 5 I wonder why we've not been able to get any young Man U or even Spurs players on loan, given the managers past employment? 🤷🏻
4

planetblue_2011 added 18:02 - Jan 5 Does that mean we will play 2 up front now if we sign Broadhead aswell!! 2 good players if signed
3

Bert added 18:11 - Jan 5 6'3” means we will have a decent plan B when the bus gets parked.
15

rfretwell added 18:13 - Jan 5 Really hope this goes through. Portsmouth fans loved him last season as he got amongst the goals. Real threat on the ground and in the air.
6

ArnieM added 18:18 - Jan 5 I ask, why? He's done nothing in his last two loan periods. We NEED a decent defender!
9

Nomore4 added 18:30 - Jan 5 Totally agree Arnie. May have bags of potential. But he is yet to score a goal this season. Not needed at this moment. Too much at stake now, to be taking chances.
4

Nomore4 added 18:33 - Jan 5 rfretwell Town fans loved Bonne last season as he got amongst the goals. Both Hirst and Boone not scored for anyone since.
-2

ringwoodblue added 18:37 - Jan 5 Not keen… next!
2

Essexnblue added 18:41 - Jan 5 Bezzer, if you look where Man United and Spurs are in there league, you will see why we are not tapping there youngsters up to come on loan.
0

Nomore4 added 18:48 - Jan 5 Blueruin troll someone else….fool
0

blues1 added 19:17 - Jan 5 Arniem. He scored 14 goals at Pompey. Hardly nothing is it? So where u get he's done nothing in his last 2 loans? Not gonna,do anything if he doesn't play, which is what has happened at Blackburn. But with Brereton Diaz and gallagher in front of him , probably not surprising he hasnt played.
1

dieselmorris added 19:18 - Jan 5 nomore4 bonne hasnt played for qpr this season perhaps that's why he has no goals, and hirst has had very little game time at blackburn so perhaps that's the reason they haven't been amongst the goals. just saying could be good for us who knows all transfers are a risk.
0

Nomore4 added 19:41 - Jan 5 Yes agree with all that diesel. But as promotion is needed this season. 2 players who haven't scored goals in over 12 months is too big a risk imo
1

Nomore4 added 19:48 - Jan 5 Blues 1. There's only 2 other teams in the Championship with more defeats than Blackburn. How hard has he been pushing to get in?
0

Saxonblue74 added 20:05 - Jan 5 Everyone's an expert, I think I'll go along with the ones who are running our club on and off the pitch as they seem to know what they're doing!
3

patthegimp added 20:08 - Jan 5 KMcK has been looking at this guy for a long time. He must reckon he will add to the team in multiple ways to be still pursuing him. Right size for defensive duties at corners etc as well as attacking strengths. I believe!!
1

KiwiTractor added 20:23 - Jan 5 Would be a no for me, can't see him firing us to automatic promotion. Has been poor for Blackburn from what I have seen. But if he does come, he will have my full support...
0

Saxonblue74 added 20:28 - Jan 5 Poor for Blackburn Kiwi? He's only been given 3 starts!
1

KiwiTractor added 20:39 - Jan 5 Saxon, it doesn't matter how many starts he has had, he looked poor in those games ..... hence why he probably didn't start more? Just my opinion.
2

jas0999 added 20:46 - Jan 5 Hopefully won't flood the squad with loans. One - no more. Building a team is important. Don't want to rely exclusively on other teams players.
2

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