Leeds talks with 'sought-after' £60k-a-week star 'makes sense' at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United star Jack Harrison has ‘improved a lot’ during his time at Elland Road and it ‘makes sense’ that the club are eager to tie him down to a long-term contract, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

The Whites headed into the international break sitting 11th in the Premier League table, having sealed two victories, and Harrison has remained a key man in head coach Jesse Marsch’s side.

What’s the latest news involving Harrison?

According to the Northern Echo, Leeds are hoping to negotiate a new contract with Harrison as they want to ensure he is not the subject of fresh interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United when the transfer window reopens in January.

The report suggests the former England under-21 international is expected to feature prominently on the Magpies’ list of targets as the acquisition of an attacking-minded midfielder is a priority for head coach Eddie Howe.

It is understood that Leeds rejected two Newcastle bids for Harrison during the summer transfer window, with the opening proposal being worth just £20million amid interest from several clubs.

The Whites reportedly slapped a £35million price tag on the former Manchester City man in a bid to fend off suitors as the deadline loomed.

Although Leeds succeeded in holding onto the winger, Harrison has entered the final two years of his £60,000-per-week contract.

What has Tim Thornton said about Harrison?

Thornton believes Harrison’s overall game has come on leaps and bounds since arriving at Leeds and, as a result, he is struggling to identify why the winger would be looking to leave the club.

The Sky Sports reporter feels heading to the negotiating table to hold discussions over a new deal is the next logical step for the Whites.

Thornton told GIVEMESPORT: “I think he’s improved a lot since he’s been at Leeds, so I don’t think there’s any reason from his point of view to move anywhere else at the moment.

“From a Leeds perspective, the fact that he is a player that’s been sought-after, it makes sense to tie him down on a longer deal.”

How has Harrison performed so far this season?

Harrison went into the campaign having enjoyed a fruitful 2021/22 season, where he scored 10 goals in 38 outings.

The wide-man has built on that form by finding the back of the net once – during the convincing win over Chelsea last month – and racking up a further three assists in his opening six appearances of the new term.

Statistics show Harrison has been a consistently high performer as he boasts the best average match rating – 7.28 – among his Leeds team-mates in the Premier League.