Phil Hay says Newcastle bid was £18m short of Premier League club’s valuation

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Phil Hay has told his Athletic podcast that Newcastle United’s second offer for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison was only £22million – a whole £18million short of the Yorkshire club’s valuation, who want as much as £40million.

Harrison, 25, has made a stunning start to the 2022-23 Premier League season. Changing his number from 22 to 11, Harrison has had a hand in four goals in three league games – scoring one and creating another against Chelsea.

He was one of the best players on the park against Thomas Tuchel’s side. Along with Rodrigo, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, Harrison earned huge plaudits for his display. That is, despite coming up against the superb Reece James.

Reports emerged this week that Newcastle have had a second bid rejected for Harrison. Now, Hay gives more detail on the bid – and that Newcastle were probably £18million short of Leeds’ valuation. Harrison has a contract until 2024.

“People might have seen that Newcastle have had a second bid turned down for him,” Hay said. “Around about £22million, something like that. The previous bid was £17million. A long, long way below Leeds’ valuation of him.

“In any case, Radrizzani drew a line in the sand with that by saying he is not leaving. That is extremely difficult to role back on. Leeds would be wanting close to, if not in excess of £40million – and justifiably so.”

Hay: Newcastle bid £18million short for Leeds in-form winger Harrison

Harrison is growing with every season. Now in his third Premier League campaign, Harrison looks more home than ever on the left flank. The numbers prove as much. In his first season, he scored and created 16 goals in 36 games.

Leeds struggled last term, but Harrison still managed to score eight goals – including a hat-trick against West Ham. This season, he has already eclipsed last season’s tally of two assists, with three. He already has his first goal.

Little surprise that Newcastle are keen, but also that Leeds are desperate to keep him – and want as much as £40million. One thing is for sure, Leeds need to sit down with Harrison and extend his current contract.