Newcastle United have been linked with signing Jack Harrison for the past two transfer windows, but the winger very nearly joined Leicester City on deadline day.
That is according to the Athletic, who state that the 26-year-old was actually at the Foxes’ training ground on Tuesday night in case a deal was struck with Leeds United.
Like a modern day Peter Odemwingie, Harrison appeared to take matters into his own hands in case a deal was agreed. The Athletic add that he began having a medical with Leicester, while a move was still a possibility in the final hour of the window.
However, Leeds eventually made the decision that Harrison would be staying at Elland Road.
He will now continue to be a Leeds player for the rest of the season, but remains on course to become a free agent in the summer of 2024.
Harrison will be into the final year of his contract when the current campaign ends, and it will be intriguing to see whether or not Newcastle reignite their interest in a player who Eddie Howe was very eager to sign during the summer transfer window of 2022.
Jack Harrison’s transfer value is dropped, Newcastle couldn’t afford him in the summer
Harrison is someone who has been relentlessly linked with a move to St James’ Park over the past six months. He was a major target during the summer, with a £20million bid made in August. However, Leeds wanted £35million.
That was deemed too much for the Magpies, despite the fact that Eddie Howe is a huge fan. The Athletic reported during the summer that Harrison is a player who Howe would ‘really like‘ to sign.
It was also claimed that Newcastle could reignite their interest during January, but this was before Anthony Gordon arrived. He has joined the club from Everton for £45million.
With Newcastle finally getting a winger in the shape of Gordon, it will be interesting to see whether that means the club are no longer interested in Harrison.
His future will be up in the air in the summer once again if he fails to sign a new contract at Elland Road, and his valuation is decreasing.
Howe likes him, but he may no longer be required at St James’ Park – even if he is available for a much cheaper fee.
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