Sunderland’s Ashley Fletcher has struggled since joining on loan from Middlesbrough.
Ashley Fletcher has had a chastening season in the Championship.
He scored just twice for Middlesbrough, who then sent him on loan to Sunderland.
Bereft of confidence, the former Manchester United and West Ham starlet has only one goal for the Black Cats.
One goal in 12 appearances is not what Sunderland or Fletcher would have wanted, and a permanent deal may not be likely.
Yet Sunderland’s situation means they should actually consider trying to get him on board.
The Black Cats are heading for relegation, and will face another gruelling season in League One next year.
It is Fletcher’s record in League One which must give them reason to contemplate bringing him back.
Fletcher scored nine times for Barnsley while on loan at the Tykes when they were in League One, scoring goals in the play-offs which helped fire them to promotion.
Dropping down a division would help Fletcher, a striker who desperately needs to re-discover his confidence.
He currently has the faith of manager Chris Coleman despite his struggles, and signing for Sunderland may be Fletcher’s best option. Whether the club agree he is worth spending money on, is another matte.
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