According to the Mirror’s live transfer blog (28/01, 13:03), Ashley Fletcher is still pushing for a route out of Middlesbrough this month, as the transfer window ticks down.

Tony Pulis handed Fletcher a rare start on Saturday, as Boro were sent crashing out of the FA Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion, who progressed thanks to Glenn Murray’s late goal.

However, despite Pulis’ faith on Saturday, Fletcher is still keen to push for a loan move this month, having found his opportunities extremely limited this season, firstly under Garry Monk and now Pulis.

Fletcher, 22, has featured in just 16 Sky Bet Championship fixtures for Boro, managing to score just a single league goal following his £6.5m arrival during the summer.

Norwich City, Barnsley and Sunderland are three Championship clubs willing to take Fletcher on-loan this month, but Boro’s preference is to sell the striker this month, with Pulis keen to recoup the transfer-fee paid over the course of the summer.

Britt Assombalonga, Martin Braithwaite, Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede all appear to be ahead of Fletcher in the pecking order at the Riverside Stadium whilst Pulis is pushing for a deal with Bradford City for Charlie Wyke.

The Verdict

Fletcher will be extremely frustrated by the lack of opportunities he has been handed at the Riverside Stadium, and learning that he wants a move is no real surprise.

Boro have a number of quality options in attack, which has ultimately proved to be a stumbling block for Fletcher.

The coming days could be key for Fletcher’s development.

Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!