Newcastle United confirm January deadline day transfer - and three more could follow

Newcastle United have completed the signing of West Ham United defender Harrison Ashby.

The Scotland Under-21 international officially became the Magpies second signing of the January transfer window after travelling to the North East to complete a medical and put the finishing touches to the move over the weekend.

Ashby was one of several possible additions considered by the United hierarchy as they looked to provide cover and competition for Kieran Trippier. Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda and Leeds United’s Cody Drameh were also believed to have been discussed before a firm move for Ashby after West Ham accepted an offer worth around £3m for the right-back. The Hammers are also believed to have negotiated a sell-on clause.

The 21-year-old came close to a move to Tyneside in the final days of the summer transfer window but finally became a Magpie on Monday afternoon and immediately

He told the club website: “I could not be happier, I can’t get the smile off my face and it’s a proud day for me and my family.

“I’m buzzing to come to the game tonight, to meet the fans and to get a taste of the atmosphere.

“It’s somewhere I’ve been since I was eight or nine. It’s a big decision to make (to leave West Ham) and a big step for my career.

“I wouldn’t be here today without West Ham, so I thank all the coaches and manager David Moyes for giving me my opportunity in the Premier League, cups and the Europa League.”

Newcastle will now turn their attention towards their attempts to bring in a midfielder on loan ahead of Jonjo Shelvey’s imminent move to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest. The former Swansea City star is set to end his seven-year stay on Tyneside after agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal with Steve Cooper’s side.

The Magpies are said to hold an interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Sheffield United star Sander Berge and are working to bring in a replacement for Shelvey ahead of Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Southampton, Howe said: “We will see what we can do in the market to try and bring a player in. There is no guarantee on that as I’ve said with other transfers. We will try and we will see what we can do but I think in terms of permanent signings, that would be difficult, but we will look for potentially a loan situation, but again, it’s got to be the right player. We don’t want to take any player just for the sake of it.”

There could be further outgoings on Tuesday with United goalkeeper Karl Darlow set to join Championship club Hull City on loan and winger Ryan Fraser attracting interest from several Premier League and Championship clubs.