Leeds United in bid to lure Manchester United youngster from Old Trafford

Leeds United want to tempt young Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher away from Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of this month.
Barnsley's Ashley Fletcher, pictured celebrating after the final whistle in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium, is a target for Leeds.Barnsley's Ashley Fletcher, pictured celebrating after the final whistle in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium, is a target for Leeds.
Barnsley's Ashley Fletcher, pictured celebrating after the final whistle in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium, is a target for Leeds.

Leeds are one of several clubs eyeing the 20-year-old after a recent loan spell at Barnsley brought Fletcher to the end of his current Manchester United deal.

Fletcher has been offered an extension to that contract but is yet to accept it after impressing in his first stint of senior football at Oakwell.

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Barnsley signed the forward on loan in January and he helped the club to victory in both the League One play-off final and the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, claiming nine goals in 27 appearances.

He struck in the second leg of Barnsley’s play-off semi-final against Walsall and opened the scoring in the second minute of a 3-1 win over Millwall at Wembley nine days ago.

United owner Massimo Cellino, who submitted an unsuccessful bid for Barnsley striker Sam Winnall in January and is also interested in Tykes centre-back Alfie Mawson, was in the crowd at Wembley as Barnsley sealed promotion to the Championship.

Leeds are in the market for strikers after averaging just over a goal a game during the recent Championship season. Mirco Antenucci, who finished the term as second highest goalscorer with nine to his name, was released by the club last month.

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Fletcher is highly-rated by Manchester United and their offer of a new contract to him will ensure that the Premier League side receive a fee in compensation if Fletcher chooses to move elsewhere.

He signed professional forms at Old Trafford in 2014 but has yet to appear in a competitive game for his parent club.