West Ham United's Pablo Fornals in action with Olympique Lyonnais' Malo Gusto
Newcastle United are reportedly ‘also hot’ on Lyon right-back Malo Gusto alongside the pursuit of West Ham United’s Harrison Ashby.
The Lowdown: Ashby talks
As per Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie, the St. James’ Park outfit are in talks over the potential signing of right-back Ashby.
They want to bring in cover in that area of the pitch after Emil Krafth suffered an ACL injury, with Kieran Trippier currently without sufficient back-up ahead of a hectic fixture schedule leading up to the World Cup.
The Latest: Gusto interest
Taking to Twitter, French journalist Ignazio Genuardi (Football 365) has revealed that the Tynesiders are ‘also hot’ on Gusto, but Lyon do not want to sell at the moment:
“The Magpies are also hot on #Gusto, but the #OL is not selling.”
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The Verdict: Right-back needed
Whether it is Ashby or Gusto, a right-back is certainly needed before the deadline hits.
Gusto could actually be the better option, having already played 43 times for an established European club in Lyon at the tender age of just 19, making five assists in those games (Transfermarkt).
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In Lyon’s 1-1 draw away at Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday, Gusto produced a standout performance, recording a mammoth 129 touches of the ball, while he also made four key passes, two tackles, 12 ball recoveries and 12 crosses in total in the match (Football Wonderkids).
Nonetheless, the Frenchman, who has been capped 11 times at youth level for his country, could well be a viable alternative option to Ashby as the hours tick by and the Toon do not strike an agreement with the Hammers.
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