Newcastle United and Leeds transfer target sees deadline day move collapse

An injury reportedly brought an end to Newcastle United’s hopes of landing West Ham United defender Harrison Ashby.

The Hammers youngster was identified as a possible target following the serious injury suffered by Magpies full-back Emil Krafth in last week’s Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers.

The Sweden international is not expected to return to contention until March as he begins the recovery and rehabilitation process after being diagnosed with a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe had indicated he would not look to replace Krafth and pointed to the presence of Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo as the key drivers behind his decision.

However, speculation surrounding a possible move for Scotland Under-21 defender Ashby proved to be well-founded and The Athletic have revealed United were in ‘advanced talks’ over a deal as the final hours of the transfer window arrived.

An agreement looked to be close on Thursday, but an injury suffered by Hammers defender Ben Johnson and the collapse of their move for Torino full-back Ola Aina led to the collapse of Ashby’s possible move to Tyneside.

Leeds United were also linked with a move for the youngster - but it was Newcastle that seemed to be in the driving seat to complete a move prior to the Hammers decision.

The Athletic have also confirmed West Ham have now triggered a one-year extension clause in his current contract.

He will now hope to secure a regular place in David Moyes’ first-team squad as he continues his development at the London Stadium.