Are We Seriously After 'Fat Boy'?
Last updated : 04 June 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
The 24-year-old is unsettled at Upton Park despite having two years left to run on the contract, and he is looking for any Premiership club interested.
Ashton has just returned from the Caribbean with England following a disappointing personal performance during the 3-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago.
And some West Ham fans would be happy to see the back of him. One reported on the Hammer's website today:
"Ashton played like a donkey, he looked so out of place and uncomfortable. He clearly wasnt fit. The pitch in T&T was rock hard it looked tricky for everyone. It just might not have been his style of team or tactics, after all he's used to sitting on the bench at Upton Park and playing under Curbs, thats enough to destroy anyones ability!"
Ashton is said to be disgruntled that Freddy Ljungberg, among others, is earning a substantial amount more than he is.
Ashton has been compared to Alan Shearer since breaking on to the scene with Crewe ... and how we laughed at that! Wayne Rooney would struggle to be compared to Alan Shearer!
He was relegated with Norwich in 2005 in the Premier League, and after City failed to regain their place in the top flight the following season, he went to West Ham in January 2006 for £7.25m.
A source close to the East End club told the Chronicle: "We know that Newcastle are interested in signing Dean. And Alan Curbishley is aware of this.
"There have already been a couple of rounds of contract talks with Dean before he went on international duty with England, but nothing is decided.
"We think that deep down Dean might want to stay but, like any player, he wants to have a contract that reflects his performances."
Norwich have a 15% sell-on clause for Ashton.
season ticket holders can expect to receive their renewal forms tomorrow following a delay. Closing dates for returning forms have also been extended.