90min journalist Toby Cudworth has revealed that a deal for Newcastle United to sign Harrison Ashby is now 'all but done'.
The Lowdown: Were awaiting response
It was reported this afternoon that the St James' Park outfit were waiting for a response from West Ham United in their hopes of signing the 20-year-old before the transfer window closes at 11pm.
It now seems as if they have been given encouragement from their Premier League rivals that a deal can be done before the deadline.
The Latest: 'All but done'
Taking to Twitter, Cudworth has revealed that a Newcastle deal for Ashby is 'all but done', after he indicated that the youngster would not be signing a new contract with West Ham.
The reporter tweeted: "Understanding with my colleague @GraemeBailey is that the deal to take Harrison Ashby from #WHUFC to Newcastle is all but done. Disappointing for the Hammers to lose another academy graduate but the player indicated he would not be signing a new contract."
The Verdict: Great move
Following the serious injury to Emil Krafth, Newcastle were in desperate need of cover at right-back, and Ashby will be able to provide that.
He has already made six senior appearances at the London Stadium, including in this season’s Europa Conference League play-off first leg at home to Viborg (Transfermarkt), so he appears to be a highly-regarded talent at 20 years of age.
The Times journalist Martin Hardy has also reported that Ashby is 'keen on (a) move' to the Magpies, so this is a deal which seems likely to get done before tonight's deadline, barring any last-minute complications.