Garry Monk has already shown he means business since his appointment as the manager of Middlesbrough. The ex-Leeds United manager has been given a free hand in terms of team building strategy and he has been pretty busy reshaping his squad.
Monk led Leeds United in a very promising manner but failed to cross the last barrier as they had to be content with a seventh place finish. His resignation as the Leeds manager came as a surprise but it proved to be a big gain for Boro who had earlier parted ways with Aitor Karanka.
Boro have been on a spending spree as despite getting demoted to the Championship, chairman Steve Gibson wants his team to earn an immediate promotion and hence has decided to spend big in the transfer market.
According to reports, Monk has set his eyes on Ashley Fletcher. The gaffer failed to land the player at Elland Road last season but is immensely confident that he will grab the player this time around. While Leeds United are also one of the prime suitors to land the Englishman, Boro would definitely fancy their chances.
Despite the Hammers struggling last season, Fletcher wasn’t utilised much as he started only two games in the Premier League. The 21-year-old came through the famous Academy of Manchester United but never got the much-deserved chance to prove his mettle.
Monk promoted a number of young players during his stint at Swansea and Leeds and wants to replicate the strategy at the Riverside Stadium. Fletcher wants to improve his game time but the arrival of Javier Hernandez at the London Stadium will further downgrade his position in the side.
Monk has already told Gaston Ramirez and Stuart Downing they are no longer needed. Fletcher’s addition would give them an added depth to the squad after the imminent exits.
Slaven Bilic would be seeking a loan deal for the youngster as he knows the player is capable of doing extraordinary things but wants him to develop further so that he can utilise the player in the next season.
Newly promoted Huddersfield Town have also been linked with the player in the beginning of the summer and might revive their interest in the player. A number of Championship clubs including Wolves and Reading are also lining up offers for the striker.
Fletcher registered his name on the score sheet in a friendly against Fulham in Austria but in order to find some regular game time he might have to leave the London Stadium and Middlesbrough are leading the chase.
