The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has claimed on Pod on the Tyne that Newcastle United won’t be matching the price tag on Jack Harrison’s head.
It was reported by David Ornstein at the start of this week that Newcastle had lodged a second bid – something that may be considered bizarre given that Andrea Radrizzani had previously said that he wasn’t leaving – which was rejected.
PIF will know that money does eventually talk, but with reports claiming that Leeds United could well demand more than £40m for Harrison this summer, that is something the Magpies won’t entertain, according to Waugh.
He said: “David Ornstein, in his column for The Athletic this morning [Monday], has reported that a second bid has been rejected for Jack Harrison at Leeds.
“Having spoken to people subsequently, Leeds are adamant he’s not leaving, he will not be sold this summer unless Newcastle were going to go north of £40m, which I don’t think they’re prepared to do.
Do you want Newcastle to sign Harrison?
Yes!
No!
“He played very well at the weekend for Leeds as well. He’s someone Eddie Howe would really like, but that one’s looking unlikely.”
TIF Thoughts on interest in Harrison…
Since making his debut for Leeds in the Premier League, Harrison has been a reliable goalscorer, managing to hit eight goals in each of his two top-flight seasons, which has seen him register 29 goal involvements in total.
However, given they are set to splash a club-record fee on Alexander Isak and are still interested in a £25m move for Joao Pedro, splurging more than £40m on Harrison – especially with just two years left on his current contract – does indeed look unlikely.
With his contract in mind, Harrison could be worth considerably less in 12 months’ time if he doesn’t sign a new contract at Elland Road, which is what Eddie Howe and Newcastle may be hoping happens as they could land a bargain deal this time next year – especially if the Whites struggle again this year.