Newcastle have 'enquired' about 'explosive' £17m winger at St James' Park | OneFootball

Newcastle United ‘have enquired’ about the availability of Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Magpies are known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements, especially after giving up hope of concluding a deal for Hugo Ekitike of Stade Reims despite a lengthy pursuit.

Back in May, The Telegraph first reported that Newcastle were ‘interested’ in signing Harrison but feared Leeds’ Premier League survival on the final day of the season would make any potential transfer difficult.

The Athletic then backed up those claims, stating that both Eddie Howe’s charges and Tottenham Hotspur were admirers of the “explosive” 25-year-old.

It was also stated, though, that Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is a fan of Harrison, and although he only has two years remaining on his contract, there is no indication he is available for sale.

However, Luke Edwards of The Telegraph has provided an update on the former England Under-21 international’s situation, revealing that he ‘remains a player of interest’ following Newcastle inability to secure Ekitike’s signature.

Edwards disclosed that ‘there is a lot of love’ for Harrison at St. James’ Park, but ‘whether Leeds will sell is another matter’.

What has Crook said about Harrison?

Despite Newcastle becoming the richest football club in the world following their Saudi-backed takeover last year, they are working within a relatively strict budget.

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And Crook has informed GiveMeSport that although Newcastle are admirers of Harrison’s, his ‘price tag is too hefty’ at this moment in time.

He told GMS: “There’s some interest in Harrison. I know Newcastle have enquired, but at the moment, the price tag is too hefty.”

Would Harrison be a good signing?

Harrison, who is valued at £17m by CIES, has played a pivotal part in Leeds’ success over the last few years, helping them to win promotion from the Championship before establishing themselves as a Premier League side.

Last season, the left-winger registered 10 goals and two assists in 38 league and cup appearances as the White narrowly avoided relegation.

Yet Harrison has consistently proven himself to be a valuable asset at both ends of the pitch and often embodied the work rate and desire former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa expected from his players.

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As per FBref, he has ranked in the 94th percentile for clearances, 91st for blocks, 85th for tackles, and 84th for interceptions amongst his positional peers over the last year.

With Kalvin Phillips joining Manchester City and Raphinha expected to follow him out of the exit door, it’s unlikely that Leeds will be willing to offload Harrison too, but he is certainly a player Newcastle may want to keep a close eye on.