West Ham 'very cautious' over contract talks with 20 y/o at London Stadium

West Ham United are ‘very cautious’ about offering Harrison Ashby a bumper contract at the London Stadium as they do not want to upset the applecart, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Hammers spent more than £160million on strengthening boss David Moyes’ squad during the summer transfer window, but Ashby came close to sealing his departure.

According to The Sun, West Ham have turned their attentions towards attempting to tie Ashby down to a long-term contract.

The report suggests the Hammers were initially open to selling the four-cap Scotland under-21 international during the closing stages of the summer window, which slammed shut earlier this month, but ended up blocking moves to Newcastle United and Leeds United.

It looked like a switch to St James’ Park was in the offing on deadline day, with 90min journalist Toby Cudworth claiming a deal was ‘all but done’, but Ashby has remained in east London.

Leeds’ interest in the right-back is not going away and it is understood that the Yorkshire outfit will return with a bid when the transfer window reopens in January.

While West Ham triggered a one-year option written into his previous contract to ensure he stayed at the club beyond the end of last season, there is still uncertainty over his future as his current deal is due to expire next summer.

Jones believes West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold need to find a solution with Ashby after he has gained interest from two Premier League rivals.

The transfer insider understands the Hammers are not wanting to offer the 20-year-old a lucrative contract due to fears that other up-and-coming stars would seek improved terms.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “West Ham have to try and sort out the situation.

“They’re very