Newcastle United are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Leeds target Harrison Ashby on loan, The Guardian (1 September, 2.20pm) claiming that the West Ham right-back will arrive to replace the stricken Emil Krafth.
There are plenty of contenders for the ‘most improved player’ award at St James’ Park. But Krafth, the definition of mediocrity under Steve Bruce but a man revitalised under Eddie Howe, is surely one of the frontrunners.
The Swede has proven himself to be a reliable performer particularly since the turn of the year. Krafth stepped up remarkably after Kieran Trippier’s injury during the second half of last term; producing his finest football in a black-and-white shirt.
Harrison Ashby, from West Ham United to Newcastle?
News of his long-term absence, then, hits a lot harder than it would have done a year ago. The former Amiens defender will be out of action for a number of months after injuring his cruciate ligament. An injury that all-but rules him out of the Qatar World Cup.
According to The Guardian, Newcastle have turned to youngster Ashby to take Krafth’s place. The talented 20-year-old is highly rated at West Ham. But he finds himself behind Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal in David Moyes’ pecking order.
First-team football would hardly be guaranteed at Newcastle, with Trippier providing competition. But, if he’s third choice at West Ham, becoming second-choice at St James’ Park would, at least, represent a some semblance of a forward step. Leeds United have also enquired about the Scotland U21 international (Alan Nixon).
“He’s a top player,” former West Ham youth coach Dimitri Halajko said recently.
During an impressive 2021/22 campaign, Ashby scored three times and set up six more for the club’s second-string.
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