Middlesbrough have launched a bid for West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher.

The Daily Mail says Boro have made a £6.5million bid to sign Fletcher.

The 21-year-old has been a loan target for Premier League sides Brighton and Huddersfield Town but Boro manager Garry Monk is a confirmed fan after trying to sign him for Leeds United last season.

Talks between the clubs are at an advanced stage and a deal could be agreed in the next 24 hours.

The former Manchester United striker is well liked by manager Slaven Bilic but the West Ham manager recognises his chances will be more limited this season following the arrival of Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic.