Swans sign Newcastle full back Harrison Ashby 

The exiting 21-year-old becomes new head-coach Michael Duff’s sixth signing of the window following the signings of forwards Jerry Yates, Josh Ginnelly, Mykola Kuharevich, wing back Josh Key and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to the club.

In a deal that is somewhat of a coup for the Swans, the club has beaten off competition from several Championship sides with the guarantee of first-team football a deciding factor for Ashby, a player who is seen as the long-term successor to Keiron Trippier at St James’ Park. 

Having come through the ranks at West Ham from an early age, Ashby joined Newcastle United in the January transfer window but has struggled to gain first-team opportunities but has been part of the Magpie’s pre-season touring parting in America. 

Equally adapt going forward and in defense, Ashby will join up with the Swans squad ahead of their opening Championship encounter at the Swansea.com Stadium tomorrow against Birmingham City.

Duff, delighted to finally get his man is keen to see his new signing in action in a Swans top. 

“He’s a good player. He got frustrated at West Ham because they wouldn’t let him out on loan, and he didn’t get enough game time,” said Duff.

“Newcastle for all the money they have got signed him. Dan Ashworth doesn’t sign many bad players.

“He was keen to get it done, which was great for me. He could have just sat behind the badge at a Premier League club, but he wants to get out and have game time and get experience. 

“We wanted him in ten days ago, but he’s ultimately Newcastle’s player, so we’re in the hands of other people sometimes. We’re hoping he’ll be available for selection on Saturday.”

“I spoke to Kieran Trippier about him, and he was really positive about his character reference. He’s been in for a couple of days, and we think he’s a really good player.

“He does both parts of the game well in terms of he can get to the top third and deliver good crosses, but he is a good defender too which is first and foremost and the most important thing.” 

Ashby may not be the last through the doors at the Swans this summer with Duff keen on bringing in a left-sided defender into his squad to replace last season’s player of the year Ryan Manning. 

“We need a left-sided player, so that’s something we’re looking for. It is not the case of we haven’t been looking, we have been trying and that has been frustrating,” continued Duff.

“There have been lots of avenues gone down and run but we’ve run into a brick wall at the end of it. We are though still looking for at least a couple more to bring in.” 

(Lead image: Swansea City FC)