Newcastle United look almost certain to sign young defender Harrison Ashby in the near future, it has been claimed.
Earlier in the season, the Magpies were reported to have an interest in the right-back, but couldn’t get a deal over the line.
That same report explained that West Ham United had triggered a one-year extension in Ashby’s contract – which had been set to expire – in order to keep him around a little longer. However, the youngster had barely featured all season and could now be off to Newcastle.
Indeed, while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, noted insider ExWHUemployee said: “Harrison Ashby I think is all but done to Newcastle.
“It’s not been officially confirmed, but he hasn’t obviously featured for us since we convinced him to stay.
“Newcastle were the ones that tried to sign him in the summer and it looks like they’re going to be able to complete their deal for him.”
TIF Thoughts on Harrison Ashby and Newcastle…
Ashby has just two appearances for West Ham so far this season, both of which have been in Europe, so it’s safe to say he’s not so high up in the pecking order for David Moyes.
Having only just turned 21, though, Newcastle must clearly feel as though he could come in and do a good job for them in the long run. Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo can all play right-back but are all over 28, so it makes sense to bolster that position for the future.
Leeds United were also chasing the young full-back in the summer, but it seems as though the Magpies have almost certainly won this transfer race. Taking it all into account, it looks like a deal could be confirmed soon.