Paul Heckingbottom has admitted he would be interested in bringing Ashley Fletcher back to Barnsley this month, but refused to discuss the Middlesbrough forward in depth, as reported by BBC Radio Sheffield’s, Jonathan Buchan.

Fletcher only moved to the Riverside Stadium during the summer transfer window, with Garry Monk paying £6.5m to take the forward to the North East.

However, the 22-year-old has struggled for opportunities in the starting XI, and has scored just twice in the Championship, having found himself behind the likes of Britt Assombalonga, Martin Braithwaite, Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford.

Heckingbottom has been discussing the possibility of Fletcher returning to Oakwell, where he spent time on-loan during the 2015/16 campaign, with the Barnsley boss admitting he would be interested in the player.

During his brief spell with Barnsley in League One, Fletcher scored nine goals and assisted a further six, helping the Tykes gain promotion back to the Championship.

Barnsley currently find themselves 19^th in the Championship table following an unbeaten festive period, with Heckingbottom’s side managing to open up a two-point lead over the relegation zone.

Heckingbottom’s side are not in Championship action this weekend, but will take on Millwall in the FA Cup third-round.

The Verdict

Fletcher would be a good January addition for Barnsley, and if Heckingbottom can strike a loan deal with Middlesbrough, the forward would be welcomed back to Oakwell.

The 22-year-old has struggled to make a major impact at the Riverside Stadium, and if the right offer comes along, Boro and Tony Pulis might be keen on a loan move across the Championship.

Barnsley fans… Let us know your thoughts!