Huge Leeds blow as main target meets with London club to agree deal - report

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Published on:

30 Jun 2016, 10:46 pm

By Coral Barry

Leeds target Ashley Fletcher is set to join West Ham on a four-year deal from Manchester United, according to a report.

Massimo Cellino had been reported to be attempting to wrap up a loan deal for the promising striker, but it now seems as though free agent Flecther has decided to swap Old Trafford for the Olympic Stadium.

The Daily Mail claim West Ham have moved to snap up the promising forward after he rejected the opportunity to remain at United.

United offered Fletcher a new contract to stay at the club, but the 20-year-old believes his first-team chances under Jose Mourinho would be limited.

Fletcher was being courted by Leeds, who were open to taking the youngster either on loan from United, if he was to sign a new deal, or on a permanent contract.

However, the striker has opted to remain in the Premier League and is convinced he can break into the West Ham first-team.

Fletcher spent last season on loan with Barnsley where his goal in the League One play-off final helped secure the club's promotion into the Championship.

United will be bitterly disappointed to lose the prospect who is highly rated among the youth coaches and has shone consistently for the club's Under-21s.

Leeds were hoping to add the powerful forward to their ranks as they look to mount their own play-off push and significantly improve on their 13th-placed finish in the Championship last season.

In other Leeds news, a Whites defender is on the verge of quitting Elland Road for a return to Italy.

Manchester United

West Ham United

Leeds United

Ashley Fletcher