Craig Hope has claimed that Newcastle United may well pass up the chance to sign young defender garrison Ashby.
This is because according to Hope, PIF are now looking to see if they can land anyone better than Ashby and someone with perhaps a higher ceiling and this is despite insider ExWHUemployee claiming the defender’s move was all but confirmed.
Ashby was a target for Newcastle during the summer transfer window as Eddie Howe explored signing a backup to Kieran Trippier and that interest appears to have only increased due to Ashby’s contractual situation and the fact Emil Krafth has suffered a major injury this season.
However, Hope has revealed on The True Faith podcast that the Magpies could yet snub Ashby in favour of someone else as he said:
(22:45) “I was told as well, I’ve said this on the pod before, a young right back is still very much of interest, Harrison Ashby down at West Ham but I also think they’re scouring the market to see if they can get more.”
Should Newcastle sign Harrison Ashby?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s pursuit of a new right back…
Given that sources from the West Ham end have suggested that Ashby won’t be signing a new contract and believe he will get his move to Tyneside in January it would be bizarre for the Magpies to then move onto other, rather unknown targets.
However, what’s very clear is that Newcastle are indeed planning for the long term heading into January as they will recognise that Kieran Trippier at 31 will not be able to play on forever and thus, will need someone to take over when his legs start to go.
Therefore, the signing of Ashby who has seven first-team appearances under his belt at 21 could well be the ideal player to come in and learn from one of the best English right back of the last few years and then naturally take over from the vice-captain when he calls time on his career.