Newcastle United’s interest in Jack Harrison is gathering pace, according to reports, on the day Leeds United fly to Australia to kick-off their pre-season tour. The Whites winger has been named in Jesse Marsch’s 26-man travelling party and is seen by the American coach as an integral part of next season’s plans.
The Magpies have been eyeing multiple wingers throughout the window - namely Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen - but despite their financial freedom, those in charge at St James’ Park have to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and are looking at alternative options.
The most widely reported of those is Harrison, whose 16 goals and nine assists over two Premier League campaigns have led to interest from a host of top-flight clubs. And reports earlier in the week suggested the newly-rich Premier League side were readying a bid for the 25-year-old.
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But Eddie Howe apparently viewing the Leeds United winger as a ‘backup’ for Allan Saint-Maximin is unlikely to have gone down well with the player himself or the Elland Road faithful - not least because the Leeds man has scored double the Frenchman’s eight goals over the last two years, with both adding nine assists.
Harrison has been a mainstay at Elland Road for the past four seasons and is likely to remain as such next year - albeit potentially on the right hand side - so selling a move to St James’ Park to play second fiddle is a tough ask for Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth.
The Whites man had a frustrating campaign last year, failing to build on an outstanding debut season in the top flight both personally and for the club as a whole, but it was his goal at Brentford on the final day that all but secured Premier League safety in May. And the ex-Manchester City man has been working hard this summer to turn things around under the fresh slate of Jesse March’s tenure.
To move up to the North-East this summer - admittedly for a large pay-rise - would stall Harrison’s development at a pivotal moment in his career. At 25, he is about to enter his peak years as a player and can only fulfil his potential with consistent minutes.
If Harrison wants to do exactly that then Elland Road is the place to do it. The winger knows his teammates, understands the manager's style and has a connection with the fans, being one of a dwindling number of promotion players. He is valued in West Yorkshire and is certainly more than a backup.
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