Jamal Lewis, another Newcastle defender is going to leave very soon
Newcastle United are looking to sign defenders this summer, but now two current members of the Magpies’ backline are on the brink of leaving.
Jamal Lewis looks set to sign for Watford on loan, with the Hornets pipping Swansea City in the race to land the left-back.
However, the Welsh side are not going to fully miss out, as they are also edging closer to landing a Newcastle fullback on loan.
They have been showing an interest in Harrison Ashby, and it now looks like that deal is going in the right direction.
Harrison Ashby set for Newcastle loan exit
According to BBC Sport, Swansea are close to signing Ashby on loan for the 2023/24 season. The report states that he is expected to return to the United Kingdom soon to complete the move.
It is part of a double swoop for Swansea, who are also set to land Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on a temporary deal. He is also out in America, with the Seagulls due to face Newcastle in the Premier League Summer Series.
Ashby and Rushworth could soon be teammates at Swansea, and a loan move for the Toon right-back sounds like an excellent idea.
He joined the Magpies in January for £3million, but is yet to make his senior debut for the club. He has featured in pre-season, however, and actually scored the winner in Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over Rangers.
It is clear that he needs to gain more senior experience, and that is not going to happen at St James’ Park this season. He will be competing with Kieran Trippier, and is perhaps not quite at the level required to replace the England international at this moment in time.
That is why Newcastle are looking for another right-back, with Tino Livramento a major target for Eddie Howe. Whether or not the decision to loan out Ashby has anything to do with the Livramento pursuit remains to be seen.
But a move to Swansea should be good for Ashby. It will be his first real chance to get consistent first-team minutes, as he aims to fulfil the potential that he clearly has.
