Sheffield United are interested in signing Middlesbrough forward Ashley Fletcher on a free transfer, according to Football League World.

The website reports that the Blades are keeping tabs on the former West Ham and Manchester United striker’s contract situation at Boro.

Fletcher’s current deal at the Riverside Stadium expires at the end of June and negotiations over an extension have stalled, increasing the likelihood that he’ll be available this summer.

The 25-year-old’s season has been ravaged by injury, with a hamstring problem having kept him out of action for four months between September and the end of January.

Fletcher has been in decent form when he has played, though, having scored four goals in 13 appearances but manager Neil Warnock has used him sparingly in recent weeks.

He did come on for the second half during the 1-0 defeat to Millwall on Saturday but it was only his second appearance since February.