West Ham United and club owners GSBK (Gold, Sullivan, Brady and Kretinsky) have a worrying 'situation' around exciting young defender Harrison Ashby.

The Lowdown: Ashby exit tipped...

Towards the end of the summer, West Ham's latest young talent was heavily tipped to potentially leave east London with Premier League rivals Newcastle United holding a particularly strong interest.

There were even some reports suggesting Ashby's move to Tyneside was 'all but done', but alas, the move appeared to collapse on deadline day with David Moyes keeping hold of his academy product.

Now, it is believed the Irons will attempt to tie down Scotland's youth international with a new and improved deal after blocking moves to both Newcastle and Leeds United (The Sun).

The Latest: Jones makes worrying Ashby claim...

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Jones has lifted the lid on a worrying 'situation' for GSBK surrounding Ashby.

He claims West Ham are 'cautious' over offering the 20-year-old a new deal too lucrative.

This is in case it upsets the applecart and breaks the club's wage structure around up-and-coming players, dealing GSBK an 'ongoing' dilemma.

Jones explained:

“West Ham have to try and sort out the situation.

“They’re very cautious about giving him a big, new contract because of the knock-on effect it might have to other players within the set-up. This is a situation that is going to be ongoing for a little bit.”

The Verdict: Next move crucial...

Already tipped for greatness by club insiders, Claret & Hugh call Ashby 'one of the best academy prospects we have seen at West Ham in a long time'.

The right-back's contract expires next summer and GSBK need to weigh their next move carefully, not least due to his sky high potential and a real risk of losing him for free in 2023.

If they can tie down Ashby to reasonable terms, West Ham will be in a strong position to demand fair fees for the starlet from interested sides - especially if a club like Newcastle come knocking again.