Leeds United are reportedly keen on Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher.
Leeds United are bound to be in the market for a new striker this summer, but one of Paul Heckingbottom’s reported transfer targets won’t fill fans with too much confidence.
The Whites are set to lose Pierre-Michel Lasogga at the end of his loan stay from Hamburg, whilst Pawel Cibicki, Jay-Roy Grot and Caleb Ekuban haven’t proven themselves as Championship goalscorers, and Tyler Roberts is yet to feature since his January move from West Bromwich Albion.
Swansea City’s Oliver McBurnie has been touted as an option, but manager Heckingbottom is now being linked with a reunion with another of his former Barnsley strikers.
The Gazette report that Heckingbottom is keen on Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher, and could move for him if Boro give any indication that he will be available this summer.
It’s stated that Fletcher has a strong relationship with Heckingbottom after their spell together at Barnsley in the 2015-16 campaign, even asking him for advice before leaving Manchester United for West Ham United.
Fletcher, 22, even hit nine goals in 27 games during his loan spell with Barnsley as he flourished in front of Heckingbottom’s eyes, meaning a reunion wouldn’t be a huge shock, especially with Fletcher being from West Yorkshire himself.
However, Leeds need a Championship goalscorer, and Fletcher has not shown that in any sense. After just one goal in 16 outings for Boro, Fletcher was sent to Sunderland in January, and has scored just once in 14 games for the Black Cats.
Sunderland fans have been left frustrated with Fletcher’s goal-shy displays, and whilst he has been workmanlike in a struggling team, Leeds require a better option than Fletcher right now, and his spell at the Stadium of Light should make Heckingbottom think twice about a reunion.
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