How ‘agent’ Kieran Trippier helped seal Newcastle United transfer exit

Swansea City have finally confirmed the arrival of Harrison Ashby on a season-long loan deal from Newcastle United.

Ashby moved to St James’ Park from West Ham United in January and registered his first senior minutes in pre-season. The 21-year-old scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Rangers and featured against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Premier League Summer Series in the United States.

Despite putting in some encouraging displays, Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe has opted to send the right-back on loan to the Championship club. In a club statement released by the Swans, their head coach Michael Duff revealed the glowing reference Kieran Trippier had given him on Ashby.

“Harrison is a good player,” said Duff. “I know Newcastle have spent a lot of money, but Dan Ashworth (Newcastle sporting director) does not sign bad players. I also know Kieran Trippier really well. He was really positive in terms of the character reference he gave me.

“I was keen to get it done for Harrison to join me at my last club. We think he is a really good player and a powerful player. First and foremost he is a good defender, but one who can also get in the final third and deliver good crosses too. He wants to get out there, and play lots of games.”

Howe told reporters at his pre-Sela Cup press conference this morning that Ashby was moving to Wales on a temporary basis.

“I think it’s crucial for [Ashby’s] development that he plays games,” he said. “Certainly I think he’s done well in pre-season but games are the next thing he needs because he’s never really had that in his career, a regular run of games, so fingers crossed he can get that at Swansea.”

Ashby will wear the number 30 shirt and is eligible to make his debut in Saturday’s Championship opener at home to Birmingham City.