West Ham forward has returned from injury, limited Ashley Fletcher’s chances, who has been interesting Leeds United.
Leeds United were outdone in their efforts to sign Ashley Fletcher on a permanent basis this summer as the striker chose to sign with West Ham instead.
Fletcher, 19, had let his Manchester United contract expire and was hot property after helping fire Barnsley to League One promotion in 2015/16.
The Sun reported last week that Leeds are hoping to pursue their interest and land Fletcher on a loan deal in January, with manager Garry Monk keen on the player.
West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher has a shot at goal
West Ham have barely played Fletcher in the Premier League, with the striker accumulating 151 minutes across six appearances, and yet to score.
Now the Hammers’ big money summer signing Andre Ayew is back in action, and Fletcher has been pushed further aside.
Ayew was signed for £20 million in the summer from Swansea City, yet was immediately sidelined through injury.
West Ham United’s Andre Ayew misses a chance to score
The Ghanaian international has made two substitute appearances in the last week for West Ham, and is getting back to full fitness.
Fletcher was on the bench alongside him away to Everton, but did not make it onto the pitch.
With Andy Carroll also a contender to return from injury before the transfer window, Fletcher’s chances to make an impact may already have passed him by, the upcoming EFL Cup game against Manchester United aside.
He is at risk of this season becoming a lost one if he gets into a situation where he is not even making the bench each week, and a loan move makes sense.
At Leeds he may not be an automatic starter either with Chris Wood scoring regularly and Marcus Antonsson chipping in; but with games being played twice a week, there is greater need for rotation.
With the Whites pushing hard for a play-off place, Fletcher could be a difference maker and even earn his second promotion in as many seasons.
West Ham’s Ashley Fletcher and Manchester City’s John Stones in action
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