Preston North End were linked with Harrison Ashby but the West Ham United talent now looks likely to sign for Newcastle United.
PNE were in the market for a wing back late in the summer transfer window.
Moves for other right wing backs just didn’t materialise and Ashby was a late rumour.
Football Insider claimed that PNE were keen on signing Ashby in something of a favour from old boss David Moyes.
Ashby ended up staying at West Ham but his lack of first-team action this term may have given PNE new hope of a January loan.
The problem there is that Ashby is out of contract at the end of the season and West Ham wouldn’t exactly allow a loan in that situation.
West Ham outlet Claret and Hugh report that Ashby is now leaving West Ham in January – but Deepdale certainly won’t be his destination.
Their report states that Ashby has made it clear that he wants to join Newcastle United and is ‘almost certain’ to make the move to Tyneside.
Ashby allegedly shares an agent with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and the wheels are in motion for a January deal.
Ashby, 21, has played all the way up the right flank and may have been seen as a good fit for the wing back role in Ryan Lowe’s 3-5-2 setup at PNE.
The Scot has only made two first-team appearances this season though and now looks likely to leave the Hammers for good.
We would never expect PNE to compete with Newcastle – even before their enormous takeover!
This just means that Ashby is likely to be another right wing back to cross off the rumour list.
Conor Bradley had been linked but Liverpool look likely to let him stay on loan at Bolton Wanderers until the end of the season.
PNE will likely have a list of potential right wing back targets but don’t expect to see Ashby or Bradley join in January unless there is a shock turn of events.