The reports state that Ashton, 26, has recently had an assessment in Amsterdam with top surgeon Niek van Dijk and the conclusion is that his ankle is unable to withstand the stress put on it by competitive football and that by furthering his playing career he will leave himself wheelchair bound.
Ashton broke his ankle in August 2006, whilst training with the England squad and after a season on the sidelines returned to net 11 goals in 35 appearances in 2007/8.
The problems returned in 2008/9 when Ashton broke down during Gianfranco Zola's first training session and he has been unable for selection since. He had further surgery on the ankle in February but it has apparently now become clear the end of the road has arrived.
The Potter were close to a potential £10m transfer for Ashton just a few weeks ago before the transfer went quiet and this latest news may have something to do with why the deal was put on the back burner.