Newcastle United target Harrison Ashby was missing for West Ham for their 2-2 draw against Blackburn Rovers Under-23s in their Premier League 2 match yesterday.

The 20-year-old wanted a move to St. James' Park in the summer after a £2.5 million bid was sent in by the Magpies but the move was rejected by the Hammers.

According to Six Foot Two, the young defender is refusing to sign a new deal and is now being left out of crucial matches for the Irons' Under-23s side.

Their academy team currently sits bottom of the Premier League 2 Division 1 after drawing just two of their first nine matches while losing the other seven.

If Ashby continues to refuse to sign a new contract, he could be one of Eddie Howe's first targets in the January transfer window when it opens in just over two months time.