Pundit issues ‘£100m’ verdict as Newcastle United ‘set’ to seal first January signing
Noel Whelan has claimed Newcastle United’s potential signing of centre-back Harrison Ashby is a “step” towards becoming a more sustainable side.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Magpies can’t always “smash down hundreds of millions” in every transfer window.
According to club insider ExWHUEmployee (speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast, 19 December), Ashby, 21, is “set to join” Newcastle after rejecting multiple contract offers at the London club.
He claims the Magpies have offered Ashby a “first-team wage” – while West Ham were unwilling to do so.
Ashby, who came through the ranks at Rush Green, has made just two senior appearances this season – both coming in the Europa Conference League.
Forward Garang Kuol, 18, has already joined Newcastle this season as sporting director Dan Ashworth attempts to bolster the club’s youth ranks.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Young players like him [Ashby] will understand where they are in the pecking order.
“Newcastle are a big club now. They can afford to go out and buy ready-made players for a lot of money.
“But having those international players will benefit all the youngsters as well.
“Dan Ashworth is building something step-by-step here. They’ve identified Ashby as someone who could play a part for them.
“It can’t always be about smashing down hundreds of millions every transfer window.
“Ashby is one they can nurture, and someone they believe can add to the armoury of good players they already have.”
In other news, expert claims Newcastle should be “extremely concerned” by Alexander Isak latest.