Wrexham prospect Harry Ashfield is a key target for multiple EFL clubs this January, with one side emerging as a frontrunner.
The Welsh youth player has emerged as a squad option for Phil Parkinson‘s side this season, making his first EFL appearance this season on New Year’s Day, playing a cameo role in the Red Dragons’ win away at Blackburn Rovers.
Ashfield Loan Possible
According to a new report from the RobRyanRed podcast fronted by journalists Rich Fay and Nathan Salt, Ashfield is in demand this January, with multiple clubs in League One and League Two wanting to secure a loan move for the midfielder.
However, one club has emerged as a frontrunner for his services in Bristol Rovers, who are battling against relegation in the fourth tier. Under new boss Steve Evans, the Pirates are four points clear of the drop zone.
The former Stevenage gaffer has been particularly focusing on reinforcing his midfield options, with Peterborough United’s Ryan De Haviland being signed on a permanent deal, and a recall of Isaac Hutchinson from his successful loan spell at Cheltenham Town.
However, a move for Ashfield is by no means a certainty, with Wrexham still to decide whether to allow a loan move for the 19-year-old, who has primarily played in the EFL Trophy at the Racecourse Ground.
Going Forward A Key Focus For Rovers
With goalscoring being a struggle outside of Fabrizio Cavegn’s successes, Steve Evans has now clearly identified attacking midfield as a place of reinforcement this January.
He has already fulfilled that with a return for Isaac Hutchinson, but that could quickly change given the well-documented stances of the player and Steve Cotterill in wanting the 25-year-old to play for Cheltenham Town.
But with many young prospects at the club, such as Freddie Issaka and Alfie Chang, going into the market for yet another player at a similar stage of development like Harry Ashfield is a bit of a risk.
Wrexham fans have been more than positive about his brief appearances for the club at this stage and rightfully so, but whether he can perform on a regular basis in senior football remains to be seen.
Going into a situation like the one at the Memorial Stadium could also be a risk, with it likely to be a tough ride for much of Ashfield’s tenure should he head to the South West.
Nevertheless, it would be a good opportunity for Phil Parkinson to get a real sense of where their prospect is at ability-wise right now, which could be great news for his future chances of breaking into the first team at Wrexham.