English Premier League side West Ham have defeated Barnsley and Leeds United to the signature of Red Devils youngster Ashley Fletcher.
The 20-year old player played the second half of the last campaign at Oakwell where he scored in the play-off final match against Barnsley. Barnsley won the game and were eventually promoted to the Championship but the display from the player forced them to place him on their priority list this summer. Their efforts ended in futility as the young player chose Premier League football over what they had to offer.
Leeds United have been monitoring the player and even encouraged to attempt to sign the player after he refused a new deal with Man United. West Ham just rolled in and spoilt the plans of both sides by getting the signature of the player. West Ham are reported to have offered the player a four-year deal. Barnsley are reported to have quickly changed tactics by approaching the Hammers for a loan deal for the player. Due to his age, the Red Devils are only entitled to compensation in the region of £500,000.
Fletcher was set to take part in the pre season at Old Trafford but weighed his chances when West Ham’s offer came through. He is expected to undergo a medical at the club soonest.
Barnsley also had their assistant coach Tommy Wright decide to stay with the club as he signed a new deal with the Tykes. Wright rejected an offer to move to championship rival Brsitol City. He joined the club back in February 2015 as an assistant to coach Lee Johnson. He worked with the coach while he was at Oldham Athletic and they continued their partnership together at the club. The 50-year old was offered a role to lead the Under-21 side but he rejected it to remain at Barnsley.