Will Leeds eventually land West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher?
Leeds United have been patient in their efforts to sign West Ham prospect Ashley Fletcher, but they may end up landing their man.
Fletcher has been a target for the Whites since his stint on loan at Barnsley last season, and The Sun reported at the end of last month that Leeds maintained an interest and are hopeful of signing him this January.
West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher has a shot at goal
A lack of production from West Ham’s strikers has led to Fletcher getting chances over the past two months, but the 21-year-old has seen 10 of his 12 appearances come from the bench.
Now all the chips appear to be falling into place for Leeds to land Fletcher, either or loan or permanently.
Carroll hitting form
West Ham United’s Andy Carroll scores their second goal
West Ham’s striking options have been transformed by Andy Carroll’s return to fitness and form. The former Newcastle striker has three goals in his last two games, and have helped the Hammers to back to back victories.
If he can stay fit then he becomes a must pick for Slaven Bilic, limiting Fletcher’s first team opportunities.
Calleri lifeline
West Ham United’s Jonathan Calleri celebrates scoring their third goal
Fletcher was an unused substitute at the weekend, with Bilic preferring to use on loan Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri.
Calleri had been labelled a flop along with the departed Simone Zaza, but he scored in the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough to give his Hammers career a lifeline.
Corriere dello Sport report that Calleri may yet have a future at West Ham, and Fletcher could see his role minimised as result.
Hogan imminent
It is not just the strikers already at the club which look set to limit Fletcher’s opportunities, but one expected to come in.
SkySports report West Ham are closing on on the signing of prolific Brentford striker Scott Hogan, who would hope to go straight into the team’s starting line up.
Brentford’s Scott Hogan scores their second goal
As the month has developed, all of these scenarios have played out in a way which enhance Leeds United’s prospect of landing Fletcher.
They have remained patient, and have not made any moves for alternatives so far this transfer window.
Their patient approach for the talented forward may just be about to pay off.
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