Leeds United have turned down a second bid from Newcastle United for winger Jack Harrison, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Harrison first joined Leeds on loan from Manchester City in 2018. His first three years at Elland Road were spent on loan – helping the club to promotion in that time – before making the deal permanent for an £11 million fee.
Last season, the Englishman played a key role in keeping the Yorkshire outfit in the Premier League. He was the club’s second-top goalscorer with eight, including an injury-time winner on the final day of the season against Brentford which sealed their survival. He has carried his fine form into the new campaign, scoring one and assisting three from his opening three outings.
Understandably, Leeds will want to keep him around. However, their resolve is set to be tested, as Newcastle have submitted a second bid for the winger. David Ornstein reports that Leeds have already rejected the bid, believed to be worth over £20m.
The Magpies may be looking for an upgrade out wide this summer. Allan Saint-Maximin is considered to be one of the brightest players at the club, but their other options aren’t up to the same standard. Reims youngster Hugo Ekitike was a known target, but he favoured a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Leeds will be reluctant to let Harrison go easily, having already lost two key men in the transfer window. Raphinha departed for Barcelona, while Kalvin Phillips was sold to Manchester City.
Despite this, Jesse Marsch’s men have made an explosive start to the new campaign, currently sitting in fourth place after three matches. They picked up home wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea, and drew 2-2 away to Southampton.
Newcastle have also kicked off the term in fine form. They defeated newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season, then secured draws against Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City, leaving them in sixth.
