Andrew Dillon's scoop fails to mention the fact that Harry Redknapp and Paul Jewell have both publicly baulked at the price for Ashton, well known to be £7million, and the fact that Manchester City are supposed to have had a £6million bid rejected in the summer. Dillon also neglects to mention brand new signing Yaniv Katan when listing the 'lack' of striking options at Upton Park.
Top-scorer Ashton missed the clash between the two sides on Saturday, which saw the Irons progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup, and is touch and go for the weekend's Championship trip to Plymouth Argyle.