For the second time in 2023, Newcastle United are looking to sign a right-back.
Harrison Ashby arrived from West Ham in January, and now the Magpies are looking at another promising young defender who could take Kieran Trippier’s place in the future.
Newcastle are in talks with Southampton about signing Tino Livramento, and are confident they can agree a deal after a £23million offer was dismissed by the Saints.
Discussions are ongoing over the 20-year-old moving to St James’ Park, but a move to Tyneside raises questions about Ashby‘s immediate future at the club.
It has been reported that he will be loaned out if Livramento arrives, and now the Northern Echo have provided some more information on how the Magpies feel about Ashby.
Newcastle happy with Ashby progress ahead of possible loan
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are happy with the progress that Ashby has made since he joined the club at the start of the year for £3million. However, they do appreciate that he could benefit from a loan move.
The report adds that a temporary stint away from St James’ Park will happen if Livramento arrives. They state that signing the Southampton ace would lead to Ashby leaving on loan for at least the first half of next season.
That would definitely be a sensible decision, as the 21-year-old needs more senior experience as he continues his development.
The club clearly see something in him – that is why they bought him in the first place – but it is seemingly too soon for him to serve as Trippier’s understudy.
In contrast, Livramento looks perfectly suited to that role, and will fancy his chance of becoming Newcastle’s resident right-back when the time comes for Trippier to call time on his Toon career.
It felt like that role was earmarked for Ashby, but he will now have to work even harder to make it his if Livramento does join the club.
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