Newcastle United have reportedly made a bid to sign Jack Harrison from Leeds.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old, and appear to be stepping up their interest. This comes after fresh claims that Moussa Diaby won’t be coming to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe is instead looking at Harrison, and he is a player who the Toon boss admires. It has been claimed that Howe appreciates the Leeds ace’s work rate and attitude. He’s also a player who Alan Shearer has praised, while Robbie Keane has called him ‘very skilful‘.
He would certainly be a good fit on Tyneside, but money remains the issue.
Newcastle make £24m ‘bid’ for Jack Harrison
It was first claimed that Newcastle only wanted to pay £20million for Harrison. However, it quickly emerged that a deal wouldn’t happen at that price.
The Northern Echo have since claimed that Leeds want £35million for him, which might prove to be too much for the Magpies.
Well, according to reports in Italy, Dan Ashworth is trying to find a compromise. TMW report that Newcastle have offered Leeds £24million for Harrison. That is £11million shy of their asking price.
Claim feels wide of the mark
Firstly, it’s unclear how true this claim is. Given it’s about an English club bidding for another English club’s English player, it’s strange that a publication from Italy would have the inside scoop.
Secondly, as we’ve already mentioned, the bid is well short of how much Leeds want for Harrison. And, unfortunately, Jesse Marsch’s side are in a position of strength.
They don’t necessarily need to sell. They’ve already lost Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips this summer to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Unsurprisingly, they don’t want to sell another one of their star players.
That’s why they’ve slapped a £35million asking price on his head, and it leaves Newcastle in a predicament. That falls within their remaining transfer budget, but it is a lot of money for someone like Harrison.
Simply just coughing up what Leeds want could set a dangerous precedent going forwards, and the Toon owners have already proven they are unwilling to overspend.
But Harrison does fit the bill. He’s the kind of player we’re looking for, and is more affordable than someone like Diaby.
Talk of a £24million bid feels off, but it is a figure that would make Harrison a lot more attractive for Toon fans.
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