Swansea City ‘close’ to Newcastle United deal as former Magpie urges move for ‘world class’ star

Swansea City are reportedly closing on the signing of Newcastle United defender Harrison Ashby.

The Scotland Under-21 international joined the Magpies from Premier League rivals West Ham United in January and was an unused substitute as Eddie Howe’s side claimed draws against Leicester City and Chelsea during the final week of last season.

Ashby has featured throughout United’s pre-season schedule and scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory at Scottish giants Rangers last week. However, there has been constant talk of a possible loan departure from Tyneside over the coming days and BBC Sport have revealed the defender is close to joining Championship side Swansea on a season-long deal.

Speaking after a friendly defeat against Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers, Swans manager Michael Duff said: “We are looking at players and we’re trying to get somebody. I won’t give names until it’s signed. I’ve been in football too long. It’s not fair on a player if it goes wrong - it might be a medical issue or something like that - and you might get poached by somebody else.

“We’ve got 21 players at the minute and, with respect to some of them, I don’t think they’re ready for Championship football. Between now and the window closing, I think we’re five or six players short.”

Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth is also expected to join the Swans on loan.

Former Magpie wants ambitious move for ‘world class’ winger

Jose Enrique believes former club Newcastle United should make a move for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as they prepare for life without Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Magpies star is closing on a move to Saudi Pro-League club Al Ahli as his four-year stay at St James Park comes to an end. United have already brought in Harvey Barnes after the former Leicester City man completed a £35million move to Tyneside over the weekend.

The deal and the Magpies battle with Financial Fair Play regulations means any move for Kvaratskhelia is highly unlikely - but that hasn’t not stopped Enrique urging his old club to pursue a big money deal for the Serie A title winner.

Enrique said: “I think if Newcastle are able to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for £82 million then they should go all out for him. He is a world-class player and he is a game-changer. He is the kind of player that you enjoy watching as a fan.

“With his skills and in one-on-one situations he reminds me a little bit of Allan Saint-Maximin because he has that kind of talent, but his work rate and defensive effort is also fantastic and he doesn’t stop running. Saint-Maximin has always been a bit lacking in numbers of goals and assists and Kvaratskhelia does have those numbers as a winger, so I think if Newcastle are able to sign him then they shouldn’t go for anyone else in that position.

“It would be a world-class signing on the level of Bruno Guimaraes in the middle but in the attacking position, he’s that kind of game-changing player and he would be a top-rate transfer.”