Newcastle United consider £2.5m Premier League swoop after huge injury blow

Newcastle United are considering a move for West Ham United right-back Harrison Ashby.

A right-back was not on the Magpies agenda ahead of the season with January signing Kieran Trippier, Javier Manquillo and Swedish international Emil Krafth in Eddie Howe’s ranks.

But the serious injury suffered by the latter in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers has reportedly forced the United hierarchy into a rethink.

Howe confirmed the severity of Krafth’s injury in the aftermath of Sunday afternoon’s 1-1 draw at Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He said: “It’s a massive blow for us. Emil has been superb for us ever since I came to the football club. In all sorts of ways, on the pitch and off the pitch, he’s a brilliant guy.

“We’re all really feeling for him now. It’s an ACL injury, so he’ll be out for a number of months.”

Former Liverpool defender Manquillo has been an unused substitute for the win at Tranmere Rovers and Premier League draws against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolves.

The Spaniard is working his way back towards full fitness but his last competitive appearance came in a 5-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in March.

The Daily Mail have reported United are considering a move for Scotland Under-21 international Ashby ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The former Chelsea academy defender made his Hammers debut in a Carabao Cup win against Charlton Athletic just under two years ago and made his Premier League bow as a substitute in a defeat at Arsenal last December.

The 20-year-old made his first start for David Moyes’ side in a 3-1 win in the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie against Danish club Viborg two weeks again but was left out of the squad for the return meeting on Thursday.

The report suggests Newcastle believe an offer of around £2.5million could convince their Premier League rivals to part company with Ashby.