Reliable broadcaster posts emphatic message about Leeds striker pursuit

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

08 Jan 2017, 7:54 am

By Alex Stevens

Leeds' pursuit of Ashley Fletcher this month is destined to end in disappointment, according to a reliable broadcaster.

TalkSPORT journalist Ian Abrahams has claimed that the West Ham striker will not end up at Elland Road by the end of the January window.

Abrahams was asked on social media site Twitter on Sunday morning for an update on Leeds' bid to prise Fletcher from the London Stadium.

Abrahams, who has over 200,000 followers and is known for his close links to West Ham, replied on on his personal Twitter account that the 21-year-old is "not going to Leeds".

Abrahams' emphatic message will serve as a blow to Leeds fans who have grown excited about the possibility of manager Garry Monk landing a striker of Premier League calibre this week.

The Sun reported that Leeds have already opened talks with West Ham about a deal in which Fletcher would join permanently in the winter window.

But the Sunday Mirror claimed on Sunday that there has been a fresh twist in the former Manchester United man's situation, with the possibility that he could be offered as part of a player-plus-cash bid from the Hammers for Hull's Robert Snodgrass.

Abrahams has now written off the possibility of Fletcher being the answer to Leeds' striker problem this week.

Manager Monk has prioritised attacking reinforcements during the winter window and has said he "definitely" wants to land a forward this month.

The Elland Road boss is keen to bring in cover for 16-goal leading scorer Chris Wood, who has notched 12 more goals than his closest challenging teammate, centre-back Kyle Bartley.

In other Leeds transfer news, Monk has made a shock transfer revelation after meeting with new owner Andrea Radrizzani.

Leeds United

Ashley Fletcher