Chris Waugh has claimed on the latest Pod on the Tyne episode that Eddie Howe is very much interested in bringing Jack Harrison to Newcastle United as a potential alternative to Moussa Diaby.
The Magpies are said to be admirers of Diaby, who impressed last season with 31 goal involvements across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen, however, that level of performance brings attention and a hefty price tag.
Diaby’s price tag reportedly stands at £60m, which has also initially put Newcastle off making a move for the French winger, although, Leverkusen’s sporting director has claimed that the club will have to sell the 22-year-old at some point.
Waugh believes that Howe has already identified an alternative in the form of Premier League-proven Harrison.
Who would you rather Newcastle signed?
Harrison!
Diaby!
He said: “If they can sign a younger centre-forward on loan, it might give them more room to be able to go back and entice someone like Diaby, but as things stand, they are considering alternatives in that position as well.
“Jack Harrison at Leeds is someone they liked, and I think they were going to move for him, probably, if Leeds had gone down, he had a release clause.”
TIF Thoughts on interest in Harrison…
If Newcastle are serious about their interest in Harrison, they may have to move quickly and stump up a very good offer for Leeds to accept, as that would potentially see them lose Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Harrison in one transfer window.
It’s clear to see why Howe is a fan of Harrison as he’s the type of winger who will bring bundles of energy, having played under Marcelo Bielsa for several years, and can also provide goal contributions from out wide, which has been showcased during his two seasons in the league, racking up 16 goals and nine assists since Leeds’ promotion.