Chuba Akpom could receive a surprise boost on deadline day.

According to Sky Sports News, Hull City striker Nikica Jelavić is undergoing a medical at West Ham United, which would leave Akpom with far less competition for a starting spot in the Championship during his loan spell at Hull.

Akpom has started in all five of Hull City’s league games this season but has failed to net a Championship goal since the opening day of the season. With Abel Hernandez and Sone Aluko also competing for a spot up front it’s good news for Akpom that Jelavić could be on his way out.

The Croatian has started three times for Hull this season scoring once, and seems an odd signing for West Ham, but that won’t bother Akpom. The Arsenal youngster was booked as he played 83 minutes at the weekend, completing two dribbles and having two shots – both wide of the target – on a quiet afternoon.

Fellow Arsenal loanee Isaac Hayden took his place as Hull saw out a 2-0 win over Preston North End which sees them sitting pretty in second place in the Championship.