West Ham United: Newcastle United ‘working on’ Harrison Ashby as Kieran Trippier backup
Newcastle United are “working on” a deal to sign Harrison Ashby with the West Ham youngster viewed as a backup to Kieran Trippier, according to 90min.
Claret & Hugh suggested (28 November) that it would take a “miracle” to keep the right back at the London Stadium after contract talks had stalled.
It’s now been revealed (90min, 8 December) that Newcastle are looking for a younger backup option for Trippier, who turns 33 next year.
Leeds United youngster Cody Drameh has also been considered by Eddie Howe, with the full-back likely to leave Elland Road in January.
Get him gone
This Ashby saga needs to come to an end. He’s not really made an impact for the Hammers’ first team and the club should be looking to move him on considering he doesn’t want to remain at the London Stadium.
It’s a shame as there’s a good chance he would’ve seen first-team minutes for the Irons this season, however, David Moyes has been rightfully reluctant to give him chances due to his contract saga. Moving him on will make the Scot’s transfer plans clearer, with potentially another right back needed at the London Stadium.
Vladimir Coufal’s future is uncertain, with the Czech Republic international not featuring as much in the 2022/23 campaign. If he does depart, then a right back suddenly becomes a priority for Moyes.
January promises to be an intriguing month for the West Ham boss who will be hoping for some sort of backing from the board to drag his side away from the bottom three.