An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Harrison Ashby on deadline day of the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
90Min’s Toby Cudworth has claimed that the Magpies are on the verge of snapping the youngster up on a permanent deal from West Ham.
He Tweeted: “Understanding with my colleague @GraemeBailey is is that the deal to take Harrison Ashby from #WHUFC to Newcastle is all but done. Disappointing for the Hammers to lose another academy graduate but the player indicated he would not be signing a new contract.”
The gem is now set to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window, joining Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Alexander Isak and Matt Targett.
Howe should be buzzing
Eddie Howe should be buzzing with this news as Ashby could come in and provide much-needed back up at right-back, whilst also being a potential future star.
Emil Krafth suffered an ACL injury earlier this month and that blow has left the Magpies light in the full-back department, with Kieran Trippier the current first-choice on the right side of the defence.
Ashby can now come in to take up the Sweden international’s place on the bench and provide cover for Trippier. He could play in the cup competitions and get minutes off the bench in the Premier League, whilst being ready to start if the Englishman picks up an injury or suspension.
The West Ham gem has played six times at first-team level and made his top-flight debut last season, whilst he has also been capped three times by Scotland at under-21 level.
He showcased a willingness to get forward and make a contribution at the top end of the pitch in Premier League 2 last term as he chipped in with two goals and five assists in 21 outings for the Hammers’ youth team.
This shows that he is an attack-minded defender and the fans could enjoy watching him bomb down the flank if he is able to make the step up to playing regular first-team football.
At the age of 20, he is a player with plenty of promise and room to improve and Howe could enjoy working with him on the training pitch in the months, and potentially years, to come.
Therefore, the Magpies boss should be buzzing with the club’s move to bring the youngster to St James’ Park, as he provides squad depth and an exciting prospect for the future.
