There is a relatively big gap between how much Newcastle United want to pay for Jack Harrison, and how much Leeds want for him.
Talk of the winger coming to St James’ Park has intensified over the past few days. This comes after a move for Moussa Diaby collapsed. The Frenchman is simply too expensive, and has now confirmed his desire to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
That means Newcastle need to look elsewhere, and Harrison appears to be next on Eddie Howe’s list.
The 25-year-old wouldn’t be as high profile an addition as Diaby, but he would certainly be an improvement on what we’ve already got. He’s proven over the past couple of years that he has end product, and was even called ‘one of the best wingers in the league‘ by Frank Lampard.
However, Newcastle’s valuation surely won’t tempt Leeds into selling.
How much Newcastle want to pay for Jack Harrison
According to the Athletic, Newcastle value Harrison at £25million at most. That’s £10million shy of Leeds’ asking price, who want at least £35million for him. For reference, Newcastle value him at the same level as Joe Willock, while Leeds want a fee as big as the one Sven Botman commanded.
It leaves the Magpies with a decision to make. Do they push the boat out and pay what they believe to be over the odds for Harrison? Or do they move on to another target?
As the days go by, Newcastle’s need for a winger increases. It’s one of the remaining positions Howe wants to strengthen this summer. We also need a striker, which will influence the club’s decision.
While the money might be there to potentially pay more for Harrison, it could hinder our ability to sign a forward.
It had been reported in Italy that Newcastle had made a £24million bid for the wide midfielder, but that claim felt wide of the mark. The Athletic seem to suggest that that is the case. They state Dan Ashworth has only made one bid so far of £17million and it was rejected.
With Newcastle only wanting to pay £25million for Harrison, we must hope that Leeds lower their asking price, or that we put together a package that is very appealing.
But, like so many targets this summer, Newcastle’s valuation and the seller’s valuation is a long way apart.
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