Eddie Howe wants £3m Newcastle man to play regularly this season

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The 2023/24 campaign is going to be an important one for Harrison Ashby, but it looks like it will be spent away from Newcastle United.

The right-back has played his part during Newcastle’s pre-season preparations, and has not looked out of place alongside Eddie Howe’s senior stars.

Ashby scored his first ever Toon goal this summer, heading home the winner against Rangers after a wonderful cross from Alexander Isak.

We also saw the 21-year-old perform against Brighton, where he held his own up against a tricky opponent in Kaoru Mitoma.

But while he has got minutes in pre-season, it will likely be a different story when competitive football resumes in the near future.

That is why Ashby is being sent out on loan, as Newcastle take steps to ensure the £3million signing continues to develop.

Harrison Ashby closing in on Swansea City loan move

According to the Northern Echo, Ashby is now very close to joining Swansea City on loan for the 2023/24 season.

They report that Howe wants Ashby to get regular minutes this season, which is why he is leaving the club temporarily – despite impressing during this summer’s friendlies.

A move to Swansea will be the first loan spell of Ashby’s career, having not gone anywhere during his time with West Ham. It will be a new challenge for the youngster, but one he will hopefully relish and benefit from massively.

We are yet to see him make his competitive Toon debut since arriving from West Ham, but the club have high expectations. He was brought to the club with the view of eventually replacing Kieran Trippier in the future, which will be very difficult.

It will be even more difficult if Newcastle complete a deal for Tino Livramento, who will provide backup for Trippier if he joins the club and Ashby departs.

But the move to Swansea is a great opportunity for Ashby, who will finally get a chance to prove himself at senior level and show just how talented he is.

The move to Wales will hopefully be really successful, allowing him to return to Newcastle in 2024 as a much better footballer.