According to the Sun’s Mike McGrath and Alan Nixon, West Ham forward Ashley Fletcher is flying home from the Hammers’ German training camp to sign for Middlesbrough.
According to the duo of reporters, and reported elsewhere, Boro have put in an eye-watering £7 million bid for Fletcher – a bid accepted by the Premier League side. McGrath and Nixon say that Fletcher “insists he wants to stay”, yet would face dropping down the order at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have struck big deals that have brought in much more tried and tested strikers in Marko Arnautovic and former Manchester United and Real Madrid man Javier Hernandez, the latter on a £16 million deal.
Keighley-born Fletcher signed for West Ham after running down his Manchester United contract following a successful half-season loan spell at Barnsley. The former Manchester United youngster made 16 appearances (two starts) for the Hammers in the Premier League last season without scoring. He was more successful in the Premier League 2 reserve competition, playing 10 times, scoring three goals and setting up two assists.
However, despite this lack of fizz in front of goal, it appears that Middlesbrough are willing to trust his footballing pedigree with the £7 million bid for his services.
There was some talk of Fletcher being a target for Garry Monk when he was in charge of Leeds United last season. Indeed, that ‘interest’ stretched into this season yet it appears that the Whites are to miss out with Monk dipping back in and bringing Fletcher to the Riverside.
Leeds United fans respond to Fletcher to Middlesbrough £7 million link
It is safe to say that Leeds United fans have been quick to jump on this story and give their considered points of view on the deal…and their unconsidered points of view as well.
Garry Monk set to spend £7m on West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher, who was a target for Boro boss while at #LUFC.
More big money on Teesside— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) July 26, 2017
If Garry monk pays 7 million quid for Ashley Fletcher then I’m over the moon he didn’t stay and get a decent buget. Bonkers. #boro #lufc
— Moaning On Together (@MoaningBrigade) July 26, 2017
How is fletcher worth 7, he’s never done anything really. Didn’t mind us looking at him for 1,2million but 7???
— Paul LUFC (@pistol1603) July 26, 2017
Boro buying unproven Ashley Fletcher as a back up striker for £7mil is hilarious 😂 #lufc
— Daryl (@Dazelar29) July 26, 2017
Ashley Fletcher touted at £7m. Nahki Wells at £10m. It’s like clubs enjoy boasting about how much money can spend. Clueless!
— The Mighty Leeds (@themightyleeds) July 26, 2017
#lufc If Nakhi Wells is worth 10m and Fletcher 7m surely Wood is worth 20m to 25m with the crazy sums banded about
— Briany #MOT (@brianyoneill) July 26, 2017
7 mill for Ashley Fletcher the world has genuinely gone mad whereas we’ve spent smart and got a gem in Alioski for 3 mill #lufc
— Armo #NH69🇺🇸 (@Jordan_Armo) July 26, 2017
Even this Barnsley fan thinks that there is something amiss with ‘Boro stumping up £7 million for Fletcher
£7mill for Ashley Fletcher #barnsleyfc pic.twitter.com/X9Y56nxeCh
— Emile (@TykesTweets) July 26, 2017
