An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of a move to improve their right-back options in the January transfer window...
What's the talk?
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have switched their attention back to a deal to sign West Ham United academy full-back Harrison Ashby.
The report claims that Newcastle were interested in signing Ivan Fresneda from La Liga outfit Real Valladolid and made attempts to bring him to St. James' Park but they have now left Premier League rivals Arsenal to pursue the Spaniard.
It is not stated whether or not the club are looking to sign Ashby this month or in the summer, as the 21-year-old's contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of the season.
Kieran Trippier heir
Eddie Howe could land the long-term heir to Kieran Trippier's position in the team by snapping up the Hammers youngster either before the end of the window or on a free transfer later this year.
The current £100k-per-week Newcastle gem has been in terrific form in the Premier League this season and has, arguably, been one of the club's top performers.
He has averaged a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 7.86 across 20 appearances in the top flight - making three key passes and 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match for the Magpies.
Trippier has consistently delivered brilliant performances for the Toon and showcased his quality at both ends of the pitch, by regularly winning the ball back and then using his ability in possession to create opportunities for his teammates.
However, the England international turns 33 this year and Howe could bring in Ashby with one eye on the 21-year-old replacing the former Atletico Madrid wizard in the future as the veteran heads into the final years of his career.
Scotland youth coach Scott Gemmill previously hailed the West Ham gem as a "tremendous prospect" and his seven first-team appearances for the club suggest that the Hammers agree.
The "giant" - as dubbed by one Athletic journalist - has been capped by Scotland at U17, 19, and 21 levels and showcased his quality in the Premier League 2 before making the breakthrough into the senior set-up as he produced two goals and nine assists in 35 matches in the division.
These statistics indicate that the youngster, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.73 and made four tackles and interceptions per match in the EFL Trophy last season, has the quality on the ball to provide chances for his teammates, which is something Trippier has proven that he can do in the Premier League for Newcastle.
Therefore, Ashby could be a dream heir to the Englishman's throne at right-back at St. James' Park as the gem is an attack-minded full-back who has also shown, in the EFL Trophy, that he does not shirk away from his defensive responsibilities.