Middlesbrough have confirmed via their club website that they have agreed a deal in principle with West Ham United to sign Ashley Fletcher, who is now set for talks with the Sky Bet Championship outfit.

Fletcher is on his way to the North East to begin talks with Boro ahead of a proposed move, after the Teessiders agreed a fee with West Ham.

Reports have suggested that Boro could pay £7m for Fletcher’s service, despite the 21-year-old having very little experience of first-team football.

The striker came through Manchester United’s famed academy, but failed to make a senior appearance for the Premier League giants.

However, Fletcher enjoyed a successful spell away from Old Trafford on-loan during the 2015/16 campaign, scoring eight goals for Barnsley and helping them to promotion from League One.

After his successful spell at Oakwell, West Ham made their move for the striker – who was out of contract with Man United.

Fletcher agreed a four-year contract at the London Stadium last summer, but after managing just one goal from 20 appearances during his first season with West Ham, the striker appears to be heading for the exit door.

There was a lot of interest in Fletcher, with Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Reading all reportedly interested.

The Verdict

This is a bold move by Garry Monk, particularly with Fletcher never making an appearance in the Championship. However, the 21-year-old undoubtedly has talent otherwise he would not have found himself on the books at either Man United or West Ham.

Fletcher has just nine senior goals to his name, with eight of those coming in League One for Barnsley, but if Monk can help the striker rediscover the form he showed whilst with the South Yorkshire outfit, he could be a big player for the Teessiders in the Championship next season.

Boro fans… Let us know your thoughts!