Newcastle United ‘set to sign’ 21-year-old defender from Premier League rivals

Harrison Ashby could be set to join Newcastle United on a permanent basis, according to reports.

The Magpies attempted to sign the 21-year-old last summer but a move didn’t materialise. But as January approaches, Ashby looks set to leave the London Stadium after entering the remaining six months of his contract,

The young right-back wants a first-team wage, which the Hammers are unwilling to give him. Ashby has reportedly turned down multiple contract offers from West Ham.

While he wants a senior wage, the Hammers’ hierarchy don’t believe he has done enough to earn it yet.

Currently, Ashby has made just a single appearance for West Ham in the Premier League, with another coming in the League Cup. In 2022/23, he has not featured in West Ham’s first team at all.

On the West Ham Way Podcast, ExWHUemployee, a West Ham ‘insider’ said: “Ashby looks set to join Newcastle. He’s turned down multiple contract offers.

“They believe they should be earning a first-team equivalent wage rather than an academy wage and clubs like Newcastle are prepared to offer this. It does look like Ashby is set to go unless he makes a last-minute change of mind although I believe that’s very unlikely.”

Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo are Newcastle’s only fit right-backs after Emil Krafth picked up an ACL in August.