Leeds are likely to be after a striker in January with Pierre-Michel Lasogga still struggling to find his form.
Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher has been a transfer target for Leeds United ever since the striker was first linked to the club after an impressive loan spell during Barnsley’s promotion to the Championship in 2015-16.
The 22-year-old powerhouse was eyed by Leeds as the man to rival Chris Wood last season, but West Ham United stole in and landed the former Manchester United ace from under Garry Monk’s nose.
Struggling to make an impact at the London Stadium, Fletcher was linked with a loan move to Leeds but he opted to stay put in east London – but after one goal in 20 appearances, he was sold to Championship giants Middlesbrough.
It saw Monk finally get his man, but not at Elland Road. Boro splashed out almost £7million on the striker, but with Monk now sacked, new manager Tony Pulis has seemingly made his decision on the forward’s future.
With Britt Assombalonga, Martin Braithwaite and Rudy Gestede ahead of Fletcher in the pecking order, the Daily Mirror claimed on their live transfer news blog (Monday, 19:43) that Pulis will allow Fletcher to leave on loan.
Championship sides Sunderland, Norwich City and former loan club Barnsley are all keen, but Leeds should look to beat the trio and land target man Fletcher this month with Pierre-Michel Lasogga yet to show his true talent.
The one-time England Under-20 international has started just three of his 16 Championship appearances this season, scoring only once against QPR.
Fletcher is lacking in goals because he is yet to be given the trust to lead the line for a regular period at Championship or indeed Premier League level, and having that confidence would see him bang the goals in.
At Elland Road he would be afforded Leeds’ main striker role, with Lasogga struggling and Caleb Ekuban injured. Pace, power, know how of the Football League and a desire to get his career back on track, Fletcher will shine.
Signing Fletcher would see Leeds’ patience rewarded, in a move that could prove crucial to promotion.
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