Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher has turned down the club’s offer of a new deal, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Fletcher, who had a successful stint on loan at Barnsley last season, is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer.
Championship sides interested
The news could be an indication of an imminent departure for Fletcher, with several Championship clubs said to be interested in the striker.
Amongst those sides are Leeds United, who appear to be favourites to sign the striker, as well as Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Barnsley – the club who were promoted back to the division during Fletcher’s loan spell there. Any club that signs the player, though, will have to pay compensation to United for the deal.
Leeds will match the player’s wage demands too, though, and that – as well as the promise of regular football – could sway Fletcher’s decision.
Future could still lie at Old Trafford
However, hope remains that Fletcher will stay at Old Trafford, although he is said to be aware of the interest surrounding him from clubs in the division below.
United could yet offer improved terms to the promising youngster, who stated his intention to play for the club’s first team less than two weeks ago.
Fletcher is yet to play for United’s first team but has impressed in the club’s youth sides, and was a part of the side which won last season’s Under-21 Premier League title.
The striker was also involved in the first team set-up as a substitute a few times last season, including United’s Premier League away fixture against Watford.
Fletcher is still only 20 but might have his eye on a future away from Old Trafford, although he would surely love to emulate his youth team colleague Marcus Rashford and break into the United first-team squad.