Newcastle United player could leave on loan - just six months after signing long-term deal

Newcastle United could decide to send Harrison Ashby out on loan for the upcoming season - six months after joining from West Ham United.

Eddie Howe’s side attempted to sign the 21-year-old right-back last summer before eventually sealing a £3million transfer in January, where he signed a long-term contract.

While Ashby is viewed as one for the future, his lack of first-team involvement may have come as a surprise to some, despite seeing his opening weeks on Tyneside restricted by a minor hamstring injury.

He’s yet to make his first team debut and has only appeared in the matchday squad twice after injuries forced key players such as Joelinton and Joe Willock to miss the remaining two games of last season against Leicester City and Chelsea.

And Ashby may find game time hard to come by in the upcoming 2023-24 campaign, despite Howe’s competing in four competitions - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Kieran Trippier is the Magpies’ undisputed number one choice at right-back. And he’s set to be covered by Emil Krafth, who will return in pre-season after missing the whole of last season with an ACL injury.

Behind those two players, Javier Manquillo is comfortable playing both full-back positions. Speculation this week has also linked Newcastle with a move for Southampton right-back Tino Livramento.

Although still young, Ashby has just seven senior appearances to his name, all of which came at West Ham, so could benefit from regular football.

Several Championship clubs would be interested in signing Ashby, should Newcastle decide to make him available.