Peterborough United have reportedly made an approach for Wrexham attacking midfielder Harry Ashfield according to Pete O’Rourke. Ashfield impressed heavily in a loan spell at Cheltenham Town scoring twice and assisting once.
The 20-year-old is highly regarded by the Red Dragons and has really burst onto the scene for Phil Parkinson’s side with a fairytale goal at Preston North End in the Carabao Cup. However, Ashfield has only made 28 appearances this season after struggling with an ankle injury.
The 20-year-old would either be challenging New Zealand international Matt Garbett or be replacing him as the World Cup beckons. Chairman, Darragh MacAnthony also revealed during his drunken tweeting escapades that Posh were looking at a number ten to challenge Garbett.
Ashfield, would become the third player to arrive from the Red Dragons in the last nine months. Versatile defender, Tom O’Connor and left-back Jacob Mendy both joined originally on loan from Wrexham on deadline day last summer. O’Connor excelled in his short loan stint before tearing his hamstring.
Ashfield also suits the expected standard of Posh signings. Young and looking to be developed is a common theme in why Posh is such an attractive move for young players. Ashfield impressed heavily whilst on loan at Cheltenham Town and was used in versatility as a central midfielder and occasionally more attacking creating at least one chance per match.
The 20-year-old is highly regarded by Wrexham but the lack of game-time does bring concern. Posh, struggled heavily with injuries last season with key injuries to key players resulting in a collapse down the table. If New Zealand star, Garbett was to leave is Ashfield the right man to replace him?
Ashfield, certainly, is an exciting prospect but if Posh are looking at a player who excelled for Cheltenham would Isaac Hutchinson be a more intriguing move. The Bristol Rovers loanee scored 16 times for the Robins and had three assists in his loan spell. Hutchinson may be too old for Posh’s signing with only five signings from last summer being over the age of 25.
However, another player Posh could look at is Barnet attacking midfielder, Callum Stead. The 26-year-old had an impressive season for the Bees scoring 13 times and assisting four more. Stead, famously scored five in a 6-2 win over Gillingham with Posh alumni Romoney Crichlow grabbing the other. Stead is also an appealing option for Posh as he is available on a free transfer following his surprise release from the Bees.
Posh are in some desperate need of a creative spark Harry Ashfield would need to be the answer to that. Posh struggled to create last season relying on Harry Leonard and Jimmy-Jay Morgan to do the heavy lifting. Ashfield would affectively be replacing the Chelsea loanee who scored 12 times and assisted three more.
Going in for the Wrexham academy graduate would mean Posh would have two attacking midfielder options in Garbett and Ashfield. Alongside this Garbett can play out wide which may be needed as Posh have transfer listed every winger bar Kyrell Lisbie. Posh would still need to find at least two more options in midfield to replace the departing Archie Collins.
