Report: Newcastle set to sign ‘tremendous’ 21-year-old in January, he almost joined over the summer

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Newcastle United are set to sign West Ham defender Harrison Ashby in January, according to 90min.

On deadline day, the same outlet revealed that a Tyneside switch for the 21-year-old was all but done.

However, the Hammers pulled the plug at the last minute, due to a fresh injury sustained by Ben Johnson.

Consequently, whilst it was hoped that the Scotsman would sign an extension in east London, it now appears his Magpies move is back on.

Out of contract at the end of the season, the assumption would be that Ashby would join up with the Toon in the summer.

In spite of this, Newcastle are set to pay a nominal fee for the youngster so he can make the move up to Tyneside in January.

Newcastle set to sign Ashby in January

With the arrival of Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi at St James’ Park, the Toon have placed a greater focus on acquiring the next generation of talent.

Although they have welcomed their fair share of big-money signings, this isn’t seen as a sustainable route to success.

Instead, they hope to solidify the team’s long-term future with the arrival of youth talents, who have the potential to become mainstays in the first-team.

Ashby is a brilliant example of this. Having been hailed by West Ham U21’s coach Dmitri Halajko for the ‘real quality’ he shows in the side’s ‘tremendous’ defence, the youngster has incredible ability.

Having made seven appearances for the Irons’ first-team, the 21-year-old was a player the club were hoping they could hold onto.

However, he now seems set to sign for Newcastle, as Eddie Howe and co build a squad ready for a successful future.