Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday transfer rumours: Blades add another striker to their wish-list and Owls handed boost in defender search

Fletcher, 22, is on the fringes of the Boro squad, but is said to be in the same position as fellow Blades target Marvin Johnson as Tony Pulis will not let either player leave the club without first signing a replacement.

The Scott Hogan saga continues as United and Aston Villa officials try to flesh out a deal, but that will also depend on Steve Bruce finding a striking replacement before Friday.

Sheffield Wednesday might have missed out on a loan deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers but could have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Wolves defender Danny Batth.

The defender, who has played a peripheral role in Nuno Espiritio Santo's squad, was left out of last night's Carabao Cup win over the Owls.

Batth's omission from the second-string Wolves team has fuelled speculation that he could be sent out on loan by Friday.

Elsewhere in the world of football

Leeds are ready to let Caleb Ekuban and Samuel Saiz leave the club in the coming days.

Nottingham Forest are ready to line up a move for Jermaine Defoe if they let Ben Brereton move to Blackburn for £7million.

Hull City want Newcastle's Rolando Aarons but will have to battle other clubs to sign the winger.

Middlesbrough could make an improved bid to sign Millwall's George Saville and are still after Rajiv van La Parra, Nick Powell and Sergi Guardiola.