Newcastle United’s stance on signing West Ham youngster amid long-term injury blow

Eddie Howe has confirmed Newcastle United will not signing a replacement for long-term injury victim Emil Krafth.

The Swedish international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers last week and is set the remain on the sidelines until March.

That had led to speculation over the weekend suggesting the Magpies were considering a move for West Ham United youngster Harrison Ashby.

However, Howe has revealed they will now look to replace Krafth ‘at this moment in time’.

Speaking of Krafth’s injury, he said: “It’s an ACL injury. He hasn’t been operated on yet so difficult to give you a firm date but it’s going be six to nine months.

“It’s going to be a long time out for Emil which is a big blow for us. At this moment in time, we’re not looking to bring anybody in that position.

“We have Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo so we good quality and cover in that position.”

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 suggested Newcastle believe an offer of around £2.5million could convince their Premier League rivals to part company with Ashby - but Howe’s comments seem to indicate the move will not happen.