According to Ben Jacobs, Newcastle will make a second bid for Jack Harrison, although Leeds are determined to keep him.
What’s the story?
Well, Jacobs claims that Jesse Marsch is desperate to keep the £60,000-a-week man at Elland Road, although the Magpies are very keen to sign him.
The journalist adds that Newcastle must offer at least £35m to even start the conversation with Leeds, who find themselves in a strong negotiating position after receiving large fees for Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
Jacobs adds that it will be a “big task” for Newcastle and Leeds to agree a fee, although Eddie Howe is yet to give up on his pursuit of the 25-year-old.
Interest in Harrison comes after he scored ten goals in 38 appearances for Leeds last season, while also providing two assists.
Newcastle had previously offered £24m for the winger, a bid which was swiftly rejected by the Whites.
Leeds only signed Harrison on a permanent basis in July 2021 for a sum of £11m, after three years on loan from Manchester City.
Jacobs also mentions that – like in January – Newcastle are trying to be sensible, and are wary of being overcharged by clubs following the Saudi Arabian takeover.
Newcastle have alternatives to Jack Harrison
In our view, Howe shouldn’t waste more time chasing Harrison if Leeds reject Newcastle’s next offer.
Of course, the Leeds No.22 is a brilliant player, but Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi would definitely be overpaying if they spent upwards of £35m on him.
For an outlay in the region of £40m, Howe could get someone like Alexander Isak, a player he was supposedly dreaming about signing in January.
A deal for the Sweden international would also come with Alan Shearer’s seal of approval, as the Newcastle legend called Isak “magnificent” after watching him at EURO 2020.
If Leeds continue to play hardball, Newcastle should have no issues walking away from negotiations.
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