Ashton To Toon Rumours Set To Surface?

Last updated : 10 December 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

And it has had the media suggesting a major bust-up between West Ham boss Alan Curbishley and the striker.

Curbishley revealed he had held clear-the-air talks with Ashton over his failure to get a spot in the starting XI.

Ashton, who came off the bench on Sunday's game at Blackburn to score the winner, is believed to be frustrated at not starting after returning to full fitness.

However, Curbishley insists there is no problem between himself and Ashton and is only trying to be careful with the forward's fitness.

Ashton was a target of Graeme Souness AND Glenn Roeder when they were in the Newcastle hot-seat, and 18 months ago the England international gave Newcastle a "come and get me" plea.

He said at the time "I find it a great honour a club as big as Newcastle is interested in me".

Allardyce will have to deal with a proposed offer for Michael Owen in January from Manchester City, and the rumour at St James' Park is that Big Sam would be willing to listen to offers for the injury-prone striker.

But Ashton's injury record is on par with Owen's.