Promoted Barnsley have opened discussions with Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher over a permanent transfer (The Sun, 9th June, Page 54). He enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Tykes last season, and Paul Heckingbottom is hoping he’ll return full-time.
Heckingbottom is expected to be confirmed as their permanent manager in the coming days having guided the club to promotion and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy success last season. Signing Fletcher will be one of his priorities.
The 20-year-old is out of contract with the Red Devils but has been offered a new contract by the club, managed by former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.
United coach and former midfielder Nicky Butt is adamant that Fletcher should sign a new contract at Manchester United. The club believe he can replicate the type of progression that Marcus Rashford has enjoyed. Rashford scored four goals in his two two senior games for the club, also scoring on his England debut recently and sealing a place in the squad for Euro 2016.
Fletcher scored in the League One Play-Off Final victory against Millwall at Wembley in May and became a fans’ favourite at Oakwell. He fired eight goals in total for the club, who will be playing in the Championship next season. He ended the season especially well, scoring four in the final five matches. The question remains if Fletcher will stay with Man Utd or join Barnsley or Leeds either permanently or on loan.