By Sam Stone

15th Nov, 2022 | 10:17pm

View: Harrison Ashby West Ham United contract debacle not a good look for the youngster

Harrison Ashby is certainly not the most popular player at West Ham United at the moment – and the 21-year-old would be wise to focus his attention on the pitch.

It feels as if most West Ham fans know Ashby purely because of his contract debacle rather than what he has done for the Irons’ youth set-up.

He is clearly a talented player, but ultimately he is far too focused on his next move, compared to what he has been doing on the grass of late. ExWHUemployee reports (10 November) that Ashby is set to reject a new deal at the London Stadium, with a January exit now looking very possible for the full-back.

It has since emerged that Newcastle United still remain interested in the youngster (Claret and Hugh, 10 November) after the Magpies displayed summer interest in Ashby. This whole scenario will leave a very sour taste in the mouth of everyone involved at West Ham.

It’s clear the club don’t want to lose Ashby, but for the full-back to up-sticks and move to a Premier League rival after developing at the London Stadium is a really poor look. If he does move to Newcastle, it’s also a really bad career choice from Ashby, with his agent probably in his ear to secure a big-money move to the North East.

The Scottish full-back would’ve seen plenty of minutes for David Moyes’ side, with the right-back slot a problem area for the Hammers at present.

If and when Ashby does depart the club, it’s unlikely many at West Ham will wish him well, and that’s understandable.

In other Football Wonderkids news, the impressive Levi Colwill gives Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi selection dilemma.