Newcastle United maintain an 'interest' in signing Harrison Ashby from West Ham despite already having approaches for him turned down, according to Craig Hope for the Daily Mail.
The Lowdown: Ashby on Newcastle's radar
The 21-year-old has been on PIF's radar for several months, having been the subject of an unsuccessful deadline day approach from the Tynesiders in last summer's transfer window.
That did not deter Newcastle from renewing their efforts to raid their fellow Premier League club for the right-sided youngster, with Dharmesh Sheth telling Sky Sports at the start of January that the Magpies are continuing to "keep an eye" on the player.
As this month's transfer deadline draws ever closer, it seems that Dan Ashworth and Newcastle will persist in their pursuit of Ashby, who has reportedly snubbed multiple contract offers at the London Stadium.
The Latest: Newcastle still interested in Ashby
Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for the Daily Mail, Hope said that 'interest' in a move for Ashby 'remains' for Newcastle after an 'approach was rejected this month'.
The report states that the 21-year-old will be out of contract at West Ham this summer and the Magpies would like to bring him to Tyneside, although they have yet to reach an agreement with the Hammers.
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The Verdict: Sensible target
Newcastle are quite right to be persistent in the hunt for Ashby, as he represents a very sensible target for PIF.
He has been dubbed a “fearless” player by some of those who saw him in action during his childhood years. He likely still has his best footballing years ahead of him at 21, while he would also boost the Magpies' homegrown quota for future squads.
That could be imperative given the increasing likelihood of Eddie Howe's team qualifying for European football next season, with the extra workload sure to make squad depth and rotation vital for Newcastle.
With Emil Krafth injured long-term and Javier Manquillo something of a forgotten man on Tyneside, Ashby could represent a sound right-back alternative to Kieran Trippier, and he would likely make little or no dent in Howe's transfer budget.
He could either be available on a free transfer in the summer or signed for a snip this month, carrying a meagre Transfermarkt value and with West Ham likely to accept a modest offer if they want to recoup a fee for him rather than letting him walk away for nothing.