Noted insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that Leeds United are interested in signing youngster Harrison Ashby.
Having already signed Sonny Perkins earlier in the summer from, it looks as though the Whites could repeat the trick with another talented prospect from east London.
Indeed, according to Ex, Leeds have now ‘entered the mix’ for West Ham United defender Ashby, who will see his contract expire at the end of the season. With the player not looking likely to sign a deal, West Ham may be forced into a sale on deadline day.
In an update shared on The West Ham Way Patreon page, the insider explained: “It appears that Leeds United – where Sonny Perkins ended up – have also entered the mix for Harrison Ashby on a permanent basis.
“The club do not want Harrison to leave but his contract expires at the end of the season and he hasn’t indicated he will sign a new one yet. West Ham would rather loan him out to the Championship and negotiate a new deal for him whilst he is out on loan. A number of championship clubs are said to be in the mix.”
TIF Thoughts on Harrison Ashby and Leeds…
Leeds have had a busy deadline day thus far, and if they can bring Ashby on board, it looks like we would arrive alongside Marseille’s Bamba Dieng, who is said to be close to an Elland Road switch.
West Ham were not at all happy to see Perkins end up at Leeds, saying they were ‘extremely disappointed’ with how things turned out, and so they likely won’t want to see the same happen with Ashby, who has been described as ‘physical’.
And while that could make negotiations difficult for Leeds on this deal, it could mean the Hammers opt to sell now for a fee instead of letting him go next summer for free.
However, with Championship clubs also in the hunt, and West Ham only wanting a loan, it looks as though the Whites have a fair bit of work to do if they want to sign the 20-year-old today.