It is no coincidence that Cardiff City's forward line has improved since the signing of Jordan Hugill from Norwich City on loan in January.
He assuaged the loss of Kieffer Moore to Bournemouth, but the move seems to have been beneficial for both the player and the Bluebirds. Hugill wasn't getting a sniff at West Brom, where he was on loan at the beginning of the campaign, while Cardiff needed a physical presence up front.
But he has shown his capabilities in front of goal, too — the striker has scored three goals and two assists in his 11 outings — and he seems to be enjoying life as a Bluebird. It has led to more than one question over his future and whether he would countenance a return to the Welsh capital next season, which you can read about here.
READ MORE: Jordan Hugill's response after being quizzed over Cardiff City stay
How, though, is his time at Cardiff viewed in East Anglia? What does the future hold for him there and how much of a bearing will that have on his future?
We spoke to Canaries expert Connor Southwell , who is the Norwich correspondent for the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News and the Pink Un about what the future holds for the 29-year-old.
1. What have you made of Hugill's start to life at Cardiff?
It's been pleasing for everyone from a Norwich City perspective, I think.
He played such a big role in what happened in the Championship last season. He was adored by that group of players and was a real cultural architect under Daniel Farke even if his on-pitch contribution was modest in comparison to Teemu Pukki. But he would often be the first player over to the Finn if he scored a winning goal.
He left the club with no ill-feeling but probably a lot of respect gained for the job he did during his season in yellow and green. Throughout his career, he has always needed to prove somebody wrong. This time it was West Brom. At Championship level, Hugill is effective and has found a manager in Steve Morison willing to utilise his strengths in the right way. It's been great to see him back firing, on form and playing with a smile on his face.
2. Have Norwich been keeping close tabs on him? Are they happy with the Cardiff link-up?
To be honest, I think it's tough to completely keep an eye on him when there are more pressing matters at Carrow Road given another relegation looks likely. But they have noted the improvement in performances and have been encouraged given the Championship looks like the division they will be plying their trade in again next season.
It's a weird one in many respects because Hugill is popular but by the same token, fans were never in the stadium to see him play. So that connection is maybe a little different to other players like Onel Hernandez who was prominent in their first Championship title back in 2018/19.
There is also the conversation, given Norwich have only scored 18 goals this season, whether letting him leave on loan was a good decision in the first place given the value he added in the dressing room and how different of an option he is to Pukki. But most - supporters and those inside the club - are really happy for him and the fact he has shown the quality we all know he has at Cardiff.
3. It wouldn't be any surprise to see Cardiff register an interest again this summer. What are their chances of having him back?
It's a tough one. The unknown factor is that Norwich have a different head coach in Dean Smith who will be undoubtedly hoping to have a look at Hugill in pre-season. If it is to be Championship football, then we all know the quality he has in that division and the value he could add to Norwich's promotion push. But they have two strikers under Pukki in Josh Sargent and Adam Idah who are both young and will be hoping to push on in the Championship. Given their lack of goals this year, it may well be a position that they seek to delve into the market to strengthen further.
With that in mind, if there was a deal that could be done that allowed Hugill to return permanently to Cardiff and Norwich got a decent fee, I could see that becoming a possibility. Millwall have been long-term admirers and there will be other parties but given how Hugill has enjoyed his time in Wales, you would imagine he would be open to a return.
Norwich aren't planning an overhaul to their squad at this stage and any role for Hugill is likely to involve him being behind Pukki and Idah in the pecking order. Is that a place he wants to be at this stage of his career? Only he knows the answer. But as he has proven - you can never write him off.
4. Do you think his future with the Canaries is solely dependent on which division they are in next year?
Not especially. It's likely Pukki and Idah will be at Norwich next season regardless, that will make it tough for any striker to force their way into the starting line-up. The problem has been more with the lack of creativity behind them.
So I don't see a situation where they decide to rip up the options they have in that position. But as I say, Smith will be open-minded in pre-season and willing to offer him a chance. There is still a role for him to play but it may be dependent on what direction he wants to career to head in. I would say there is more of a chance he remains at Norwich if they do get relegated but I wouldn't automatically assume that would mean any prospect of signing him is dead in the water.
