Although a summer transfer did not materialize, Newcastle United are in the driver’s seat over a potential winter swoop for Harrison Ashby. The West Ham United youngster is reportedly frustrated with the lack of first-team involvement at his boyhood club and has decided to part ways next month as revealed by a key Hammers contact (according to club news site Claret & Hugh, cited by The Shields Gazette).
The 21-year-old Scotland youth international made his Premier League debut a year ago against Arsenal. He has also featured in a few Cup and European games, but the gaffer David Moyes is yet to play him in the league so far this season. The right fullback was close to joining the Magpies back in August which, however, did not materialize when the player decided to stay put and fight for his place in East London.
Ashby is currently the fourth-choice option down the right with Thilo Kehrer, Ben Johnson and Vladimír Coufal ahead of him in the pecking order. He only appeared in a couple of UEFA Europa Conference League encounters, and therefore, ready to make the next career move as soon as the window reopens in January.
Why Newcastle United Should Secure His Services In Winter
Meanwhile, the misery continues for the Irons amid an injury blow to Kurt Zouma. His long-term absence could have handed Ashby a boost had Kehrer been restored as a centre-half, but the Stratford outfit are aiming for winter reinforcements in the heart of the backline. This has further jeopardized the young defender’s gametime and a fresh start at St James’ Park might eventually work in his favour given the Tynesiders’ resurgence under Eddie Howe.
Despite being in his 30s, Kieran Trippier is still irreplaceable for his relentless runs, set-piece traits and attacking expertise. Javier Manquillo is there as the understudy to the veteran Englishman, but the former Atletico Madrid right-back does not fit in Howe’s free-flowing football. With Emil Krafth out for months after rupturing his ACL, the addition of Ashby could prove to be crucial for Newcastle United in the long run.
Mark Noble, the former West Ham skipper, hailed the young prospect for his physical as well as technical ability. He loves to make marauding runs as well as combine high up the pitch with fellow attackers, and his style of play ticks many boxes to fit in Howe’s philosophy and gameplan.
