Leeds want Ashley Fletcher – but West Ham’s recent injury problems mean he may not be allowed to leave.
West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher looks dejected
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United’s pursuit of West Ham United striker Ashley Fletcher has taken a hit due to injury problems for Slaven Bilic’s men.
The Whites have brought in three forwards already this summer as Marcus Antonsson, Hadi Sacko and Kemar Roofe, though the latter may be seen more as wingers if another striker arrives.
West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher has a shot at goal
With Souleymane Doukara the only other recognised cover for Chris Wood, manager Garry Monk may look to bring in another attacker – and his top target appears to be a familiar name.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that Leeds are hoping to bring in West Ham United striker Ashley Fletcher on loan for the season, who the club attempt to sign on a permanent basis from Manchester United this summer.
West Ham’s Ashley Fletcher in action with FC Slovacko’s Vlastimil Danicek and Patrik Simko
Fletcher, who hit eight goals in 27 games during an impressive loan spell with Barnsley last season, left the Red Devils for West Ham this summer, but Leeds had still been hoping to land him in a loan deal.
However, the report claims that West Ham’s injury problems in attack have thrown in a spanner in the works, as manager Slaven Bilic is currently without both Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew for an extended period of time.
FC Astra Giurgiu’s Cristian Oros in action with West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher
Jonathan Calleri and Simone Zaza have arrived on loan to help matters, but 20-year-old attacker Fletcher started against Manchester City on Sunday, suggesting he’s very much a part of West Ham’s first-team plans going forward.
With no loan window once the deadline passes tomorrow night, it seems unlikely that the Keighley-born striker will be heading back to West Yorkshire with Leeds, meaning Garry Monk may have to switch targets if he wants to bring a forward in.
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