The new Championship season is less than a fortnight away - and teams are stepping up their transfer business as they prepare for another tough campaign.

Leeds United are reportedly renewing their interest in West Ham United striker Ashley Fletcher, according to the Sun.

The Whites targeted a move for Fletcher last summer when his contract ran out at Manchester United - but he elected to stay in the Premier League with West Ham.

He would go on to make 20 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers in 2016/17.

West Ham United striker Ashley Fletcher

Now, though, with ex-United and Real Madrid forward Javier Hernandez on the verge of a £16m move to West Ham, the top-flight side are set to let Fletcher out on loan to the Championship, with Leeds among the sides reportedly in the running.

Middlesbrough, Reading and Wolves are also being linked.

Elsewhere, Liverpool's Lazar Markovic is being linked with a second spell at Hull City.

According to a report in the Mirror, the Serbian international could be set to leave Anfield for £8m - after signing for £21m three years ago - with the Tigers and Watford battling for his signature.

Markovic joined Hull on loan in January and made 14 appearances under then-City boss Marco Silva. Silva has since joined Watford.

Sunderland are eyeing up a move for Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Jason Steele as they prepare for a return to the second tier of English football, reports the Northern Echo.

Blackburn Rovers keeper Jason Steele

The Black Cats have lost keeping duo Jordan Pickford - a former Burton Albion loanee - and Vito Mannone so far this summer, with new boss Simon Grayson keen to replace both.

Free agent Robbin Ruiter - released by Utrecht - is set to train with Sunderland over the coming days with the view to getting a deal at the Stadium of Light.

Steele, meanwhile, has one year left on his current contract at League One Rovers - and the Northern Echo reports that he could be available for around £500,000.