Newcastle United are reportedly no longer in the race to sign Ivan Fresneda this month.
That is according to the Athletic, who state that the Magpies have dropped out of the running to take the 18-year-old defender from Real Valladolid.
Fresneda has been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park this month. It was even claimed that a deal was basically done, with the right-back saying his goodbyes ahead of joining Newcastle.
However, that claim was clearly premature. The Athletic state that the race to sign the Spaniard is down to two clubs, with Fresneda set to choose between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
They state that both clubs have agreed a £13million deal with Real Valladolid. No matter which club Fresneda joins, he will remain at Valladolid until the end of the season on loan.
Newcastle have missed out on a very talented youngster, meaning Dan Ashworth must look elsewhere for the right-back he is searching for.
Time for Newcastle go back in for Harrison Ashby after missing out on Ivan Fresneda
While it is a shame that Newcastle are set to miss out on Fresneda, he is not the only right-back that Newcastle have been linked with.
The Magpies are in the market for a young player who can act as deputy for Kieran Trippier, before eventually replacing the England international. Fresneda fit that mould, and was considered someone who could learn from the 32-year-old.
Another player Newcastle have been linked with is Malo Gusto, but he could be on his way to Chelsea before the transfer window closes.
However, the first right-back Newcastle were looking at is perhaps the one they should now revisit, with Harrison Ashby of West Ham still available.
Eddie Howe tried to sign him in the summer, but a move was blocked by the Hammers. The 21-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, despite being considered the most promising youngster to come through West Ham’s academy in years.
The Daily Mail recently stated that Ashby is still on Newcastle’s radar, and the disappointment of Fresneda must focus minds on Tyneside and lead to a fresh approach for the defender.
Considering he has only made one Premier League appearance for West Ham, he would not arrive at St James’ Park expecting to play. But he would arrive with a clear route into the first-team mapped out, and the chance to learn from arguably the league’s best right-back this season.
Given that Dan Ashworth tried to get him during the summer, Ashby is clearly someone who Newcastle think can develop into a first-team regular for Howe’s side.
And with his West Ham contract winding down, now is the time to make a fresh move for a lad who has already been described as a ‘top player‘.
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