Preston are keen on Harrison Ashby as they seek a favour from West Ham United boss David Moyes ahead of deadline day.
We’ve been saying it all summer but it bears repeating; Preston need to sign a new right wing back.
This has been a request of Ryan Lowe’s throughout the summer window with competition needed for Brad Potts.
Potts isn’t even a natural wing back himself but, as things stand, he is North End’s man option in that area of the pitch.
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Links to Moses Odubajo, Ethan Laird, Cyrus Christie and Brooke Norton-Cuffy haven’t amounted to much and the rumour mill has brought up another name.
Preston are keen on Harrison Ashby
Football Insider report that Preston are interested in signing West Ham United talent Harrison Ashby.
It’s stated that North End are hoping that West Ham will allow Ashby to go out on loan before Thursday’s deadline.
This would of course mean a favour from former Preston boss Moyes, who will have a decision to make in the coming days.
Ashby, 20, was in the Chelsea ranks before joining West Ham back in 2010.
The Scotland Under-21 international made his Premier League debut last season and is highly-regarded at West Ham.
Ashby has mostly played as a right back in his career but did start as a right wing back against Viborg earlier this month.
Ashby showed his attacking potential last season, notching two goals and five assists in 21 Premier League 2 outings.
With Vladimir Coufal and Ben Johnson competing at right back and Thilo Kehrer also able to play there, Ashby may be down the pecking order.
First-team experience at Championship level would be great for Ashby and he could fit the bill for Preston – but there’s a problem.
The Daily Mail claim that Newcastle United also want Ashby and are trying to sign him permanently ahead of the transfer deadline.
Newcastle are allegedly keen to offer around £2.5million for Ashby.
That means West Ham will have a big call to make; do they cash in on Ashby and see him join a Premier League rival, or put faith in his development for the future and send him to Preston?
Moyes and co have plenty to think about, but Ashby ticks some boxes for North End thanks to that attacking ability.