Newcastle United defender Harrison Ashby is set to join Championship outfit Swansea City on a season-long loan deal, according to a report from BBC Sport.

The Swans will be working feverishly to complete the deal – they will play their first league game of the season at the weekend, when they take on Birmingham City.

Nevertheless, Ashby’s move to the Liberty Stadium appears to be all but complete – Swansea are just waiting for Newcastle to make the transfer official.

Swansea head coach Michael Duff said: “Harrison Ashby’s in the door. We’re just waiting for the registration to be signed off. We wanted him in 10 days ago, but he’s ultimately Newcastle’s player, so we’re at the hands of other people sometimes. We’re hoping he’ll be available for selection on Saturday.”

Will Newcastle United miss Harrison Ashby?

It is unlikely that Newcastle will suffer in Ashby’s absence. While he is fine player, the Toon have superior options at right-back in the form of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth.

Additionally, the transfer of Tino Livramento from Southampton looks to be edging ever closer. As such, loaning Ashby out to a team willing to offer him regular first team football seems to be the best option for all parties involved at this moment.

Had Ashby stayed, he would have been little more than a backup option. Due to this, the best thing for his development would be to loan him out to a club who are aiming for promotion to the Premier League this season.

How will Harrison Ashby perform on loan at Swansea City?

Despite his young age, being just 21 years old, Ashby has displayed incredible potential during his fledgling career. Fast, defensively sound and adaptable (being able to fill in at centre-back), the former West Ham United academy graduate should be a great addition to the Swans’ ranks.

Nevertheless, the move is not without risk. Ashby has never played in the Championship – nor has he ever enjoyed a full season of senior team football. As such, it remains to be seen as to whether he is ready for it – but we will back him to be a success.