Former BBC radio pundit Noel Whelan has lauded Newcastle United over their recent transfer links with Harrison Ashby, believing that such a move indicates a long-term vision by sporting director Dan Ashworth and PIF.
The Lowdown: Ashby could be Newcastle-bound
The West Ham United midfielder was the subject of an approach by the Magpies on deadline day of the most recent summer transfer window, and it appears that the Tynesiders' interest has not gone away.
Irons insider ExWHUEmployee told The West Ham Way Podcast on 19 December [via Football Insider] that the 21-year-old is "set to join" Eddie Howe's side after rejecting multiple contract offers at the London Stadium.
Ex added that while Newcastle offered the youngster a "first-team wage", the east London club had been unwilling to do so.
The Latest: Whelan praises Newcastle
After hearing of the Magpies' probable swoop for Ashby, Whelan was full of praise for Ashworth and the Newcastle hierarchy for looking beyond big-money signings and aiming to build a sustainable model at St James' Park by targeting young gems who the club can nurture over time.
The 47-year-old told Football Insider: "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."
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The Verdict: Savvy long-term approach
While Newcastle have not been averse to spending big under PIF's ownership, as illustrated by the signings of Alexander Isak (£63m), Sven Botman (£35m) and Bruno Guimaraes (£40m) for hefty fees this year, there is also evidence of them snapping up young talents with a longer-term view.
During the autumn, the Magpies clinched a deal to sign Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners, prior to the 18-year-old featuring for Australia at the recent World Cup.
Ashby, who is three years Kuol's senior, has just seven appearances to his name in his senior career, but he has been hailed as "fearless" by some of those who saw him in action during his childhood years.
It looks as if West Ham will cash in next month rather than losing the 21-year-old on a free in the summer, but Newcastle should still be able to land him for a cut-price figure, illustrating a savvy long-term approach to nicely complement their marquee spending on the likes of Isak and Guimaraes.