A report claims Leeds United are still interested in signing Harrison Ashby, a West Ham starlet.
West Ham exercised the one-year option on the 20-year-old’s contract, which was due to expire at the end of June. However, the club is still hopeful of reaching a new, long-term agreement, leaving the right-back in a precarious situation.
Leeds and Newcastle are both interested in hiring the academy graduate, giving Ashby some options.
Sonny Perkins, a talented England U18 striker, was already acquired by Leeds from West Ham. Perkins was regarded as one of the most gifted young players for the Hammers, but he made the decision to leave.
Perkins decided against signing a professional contract with the club, contrary to West Ham’s initial expectations that he would stay in the city.
Rather, the forward impressed with five goals in four games in Premier League 2 after signing a three-year contract with Leeds in July.
That was not well received in east London, and if Ashby follows suit, Hammers officials will have an even worse experience.
And all the signs are that Ashby will reject a new deal from the club.
Ashby has already featured in the Conference League this season, but Claret & Hugh suggest he “may well reject a new deal”.
Journalist Dean Jones said Leeds were in a good position when talking about the transfer saga.
“They do still like him. I think, from here, it’s going to depend on how West Ham decide to deal with him,” he told Give Me Sport.
“Whether they reassess his contract situation and they can convince him of their own plans, there’s a lot to be sorted out there over the next few months.”
