Newcastle United were reportedly interested in signing Leeds United talent Cody Drameh before landing on a deal to bring West Ham youngster Harrison Ashby to St. James Park.
According to the Athletic, the Magpies were keen on signing the 21-year-old Whites right-back, as well as Real Valladolid wonderkid Ivan Fresneda, as cover for Kieran Trippier as well as a long-term alternative in the position. However, Newcastle have since agreed a deal for Ashby.
Lauded as ‘phenomenal’ by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morrison, Drameh is regarded by many as one of Leeds best youth prospects, with the fullback making numerous first-team appearances under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch and impressing out on loan with Cardiff City, with the defender currently with Luton Town.
However, for Newcastle, the Magpies ultimately decided on pursuing a deal for Ashby, a surprise pick for many given that the Scotland youth international has only ever made seven senior appearances for the Irons, two of which have come this season in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
As per the Athletic, though, Newcastle have been impressed with Ashby’s performances for West Ham at youth level, with the Toon noting the fullback’s bravery, technical ability and physical readiness as key attributes to why a late January deal was made to bring the Milton Keynes-born talent up north.
Newcastle signing Ashby could be one of the shrewdest deals of the window
Very few would have predicted Newcastle to sign a West Ham U-21 defender as their backup option for Trippier, yet with Dan Ashworth at the transfer helm for the Magpies, the former Brighton & Hove Albion signing guru knows what he is doing, and the deal could be one of the shrewdest of the entire window.
Indeed, Newcastle have clearly seen something in Ashby, and whilst a name such as Drameh would have caught more headlines, the Magpies have one of the best in the business when it comes to under-the-radar signings, a strategy that could work miracles in the long-term.
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