LEEDS UNITED are in talks to sign West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher next month, SunSport understands.

United boss Garry Monk is keen to bolster his attack and has earmarked the England Under-20 hitman as the club look to maintain the push for promotion.

Monk has been given the go ahead to spend on the former Manchester United prospect who was wanted by the Elland Road club in the summer.

3 Fletcher in a January transfer target for Leeds United Credit: Getty Images

The Manchester United academy product enjoyed a successful time on loan at Barnsley last season scoring five goals including the opener in the League One play-off Final against Millwall.

Fletcher chose West Ham and has had a shot at the Premier League, but now he could head to Leeds and join their promotion push.

3 Former Manchester United academy graduate Ashley Fletcher equalised in front of the Stretford End Credit: Reuters

Monk knows he is relying heavily on Chris Wood and needs an extra powerful forward for the second half of the season.

The 21-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Hammers this season and his only goal for the Londoners was against his former club in the 4-1 League Cup defeat at Old Trafford.

3 Garry Monk's Leeds are undergoing a remarkable turnaround Credit: Reuters

Hammers have yet to agree a price with United for Fletcher and could ask for around £2 million from the Championship side.

Leeds are fifth in the Championship within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots, Monks side squeezed past Brentford by a single goal on Saturday thanks to Kyle Bartley's late winner at Elland Road on Saturday.