West Ham United reject opening bid from Newcastle United for Harrison Ashby
West Ham have rejected an opening bid from Newcastle United for defender Harrison Ashby, according to journalist Pete Graves.
The Sky Sports journalist wrote on Twitter (28 January) that the Hammers will sell the 21-year-old defender at the right price, and talks are ongoing at the moment.
The young defender is out of contract in the summer, and he has refused to sign a contract extension at the London Stadium as things stand.
“Newcastle opening bid for Harrison Ashby rejected by West Ham. Talks ongoing. West Ham will sell at the right price. Ashby out of contract in the summer,” wrote Graves on Twitter.
Matter of time
Ashby is almost certain to leave the club. The Hammers want to sell him as well, and probably an agreement can be reached in the next few days.
He is a bright young talent to have progressed from the club’s youth academy. The right-back played in the Premier League last season and he also featured in cup games as well.
However, David Moyes cannot guarantee regular time, and he feels that it is good for him to move elsewhere and start playing regularly.
In recent windows, West Ham have lost precious academy talents to rival clubs. Sonny Perkins, for instance, joined Leeds United last summer, and once again they are about to lose another fantastic talent.
The right-back is one area that needs attention in the summer. Moyes has Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal as two main defenders competing for that spot, while Thilo Kehrer can also play there.
Coufal has regressed in the past 12 months or so, and doubts remain over his long-term future at the club.
The Hammers have already sold Craig Dawson who joined Wolves this month.