According to The Star and other sources, Leeds United are in the hunt for Ashley Fletcher, the highly-rated Manchester United Under-21 and England Under-20 international.
The young, Keighley-born striker spent last season on a half-season loan at League One Barnsley where he opened the scoring in their 3-1 League One Play-Off Final win over Millwall. In total, whilst on loan at Barnsley, the youngster scored nine times (five league/two in the Football League Trophy/two in League One playoffs), his goals coming at the rate of one per 204 minutes – scoring at the rate suggesting a strike-rate around the 20 goals per season level.
The Star, quoting the Sun, say that “Fletcher would welcome the chance to play in the Championship,” mentioning that the player wouldn’t rule out a move back to Oakwell either.
However, with Leeds United being a more prestigious team, with new manager Garry Monk having recent exerience of Premier League management and with Fletcher having the chance to play with United’s rash of young players then maybe this might be the persuasive sway that leans the young Red Devil towards Elland Road more than Oakwell.
Stat Attack: Ashley Fletcher’s goals and assist record
- 2015/16 season: 9 goals/5 assists (League One) – 1,835 minutes played
- 2014/15 season: 3 goals/1 assist (Under-21 Premier League) – 398 minutes played
- 2013/14 season: 1 goal (UEFA Youth League) – 73 minutes played
Should Fletcher find his way into the white shirt of Leeds United, then he could very well become that speedy foil that fans of the Whites have been crying out to partner Chris Wood up front. Highly-rated at Old Trafford, and no doubt extremely well coached by the staff there, his footballing pedigree is beyond doubt.
Would he fit in at Elland Road? Yes. Will fans be happy if he signs? Likely. Will it happen? Hope so.
