West Ham United insider Claret and Hugh have suggested that Harrison Ashby could still leave the club in January after holding talks with Premier League side Newcastle.
The Lowdown: Newcastle talks collapse
The 20-year-old has now entered the final year of his contract at the London Stadium, and therefore, a summer exit looked highly likely to be on the cards.
Eddie Howeâs side were heavily linked with a late deal for the defender, but the Irons are believed to have pulled the plug due to Ben Johnson being ruled out for weeks through injury.
Following a fresh update though, it sounds as if the youngster could still be heading for St. Jamesâ Park in a few months timeâŠ
The Latest: Ashby set for January exit?
According to Claret and Hugh, Newcastle found it âvery difficultâ to achieve a deal to sign Ashby, with David Moyes âloathe to loseâ an important squad member that late on in the window.
January âmay be a different storyâ if the Magpies âmake a very tempting offerâ, albeit depending on the injured players returning so that the boss isnât left light on numbers.
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The Verdict: Chance to shine
With Johnson out for a while, it makes sense that the Irons decided to keep hold of Ashby as a backup to Vladimir Coufal, and now could be his time to shine.
The Milton Keynes-born talent, dubbed âtremendousâ by Scotland U21s head coach Scot Gemmill, has created 12 goal contributions for the Hammersâ U21s (nine assists and three goals), highlighting his desire to attack down the flank (Transfermarkt).
Moyes will need good squad depth with the additional Europa Conference League fixtures coming up, and so this might be Ashbyâs ideal opportunity to impress the manager and either place himself in the shop window or earn a new deal.
