Newcastle set to lose England youth international to PL rival this summer – Romano

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Chelsea look set to convince Newcastle United youngster Ollie Harrison to move to Stamford Bridge rather than signing a contract at his home club.

Blaydon-born Ollie Harrison looks to be on his way out of Newcastle before he’s even got started if Chelsea get their way.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted this morning that Chelsea are set to sign Harrison ahead of Brighton and Wolves, saying: “Excl: there’s new young talent set to join Chelsea Academy, Blues are now closing in on deal to sign Newcastle midfielder Ollie Harrison.

Harrison is wanted by Chelsea and two other clubs

“Harrison will turn 16 in May and he’s on the verge of leaving #NUFC. Chelsea are ahead of Brighton and Wolves in race to sign Ollie.”

Harrison has represented Newcastle at Under 18 level already and has tasted success earlier this year with England Under 16s as they won the Mondial Montaigu Tournament by beating Japan in the final. Harrison converted from the spot both the semi-final and final as both games went to a shoot-out.

Despite his clear promise, it looks as though Newcastle may lose him to another club before he’s got the chance to prove his worth to Newcastle.

Craig Hope has confirmed the news on Twitter also saying that a compensation tribunal will follow. Hope also mentions Tottenham as an interested party and says that one thing complicating matters is that Harrison’s dad, Steve is a coach at Newcastle.

Could Newcastle be letting a hot prospect leave too soon?

Hope mentions that Newcastle offered Harrison a contract but weren’t going to break the wage structure to do so which is why he could now end up elsewere.

Dan Ashworth‘s vision of having every player in the academy groomed to be able to fit right into the first team appears to be taking a knock here. If someone who is on Chelsea’s radar is allowed to quit the club at 16 then what is wrong behind the scenes?

I could be reading too much into it, and there could still be a chance that Newcastle are doing what they can to give Harrison a contract, I don’t know, but on face value of Romano’s tweet this is a worry.