Leeds like 'high-quality' Premier League starlet at Elland Road

Leeds United ‘still like’ West Ham United starlet Harrison Ashby and could look to lure him to Elland Road when the winter window opens for business, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Whites spent just shy of £100million before the summer deadline passed last week, but they were unable to get a deal for Ashby over the line.

It is understood that Leeds will return for Ashby when the transfer window reopens in January, while Newcastle United’s interest is waning.

According to The Sun, West Ham blocked moves to Elland Road and St James’ Park last month, despite initially being open to sanctioning his departure after stalling on a new contract.

The report suggests the Hammers will now try to agree fresh terms with Ashby, a four-cap Scotland under-21 international, ahead of the transfer window reopening at the turn of the year.

But West Ham may be frustrated in their attempts as there is reportedly a distinct possibility that their academy product will turn down the offer of a long-term deal.

Ashby’s current contract at the London Stadium runs until the summer of 2023, with the Hammers triggering a one-year option when his previous agreement was due to expire at the end of last season.

Jones understands that Leeds remain admirers of Ashby and has refused to rule out the possibility of the Whites testing Premier League rivals West Ham’s resolve in January.

The journalist is aware that the right-back’s current employers are doubling down in their efforts to negotiate a new deal.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They do still like him. I think, from here, it’s going to depend on how West Ham decide to deal with him.

“Whether they reassess his contract situation and they can convince him of their own plans, there’s a lot to