Everton may be ruled out of permanent Jack Harrison transfer from Leeds United – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Everton may have to be ruled out of the equation to sign Jack Harrison from Leeds United permanently because of their financial situation, says Paul Robinson.
The Sky Sports pundit has previously named the English winger as the one he would take back from the current crop of Whites stars playing away from the club on loan this year, but believes it depends almost entirely on whether Daniel Farke can get the side promoted back to the Premier League.
However, in light of the ongoing financial difficulties at Goodison Park and the 10-point deduction imposed after a profit and sustainability breach Robinson feels the Toffees might not be in position to make his loan permanent if he leaves Elland Road for good.
The former England keeper exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “That’s the biggest thing, is Everton’s financial situation and what the player would cost.
“He’s on loan, which works great for Everton and it gets round FFP in certain ways because it’s just the player’s wages.
“But then should a permanent transfer come into the offing then maybe that rules Everton out.”
Harrison was easily available in the summer thanks to the relegation release clause he had in his deal along with numerous others.
Aside from possibly Marc Roca at Real Betis the 27-year-old has acquitted himself the best so far this term as he has become a key part of Sean Dyche’s resurgent side, so if Leeds United are a Premier League team again next season they would surely love to have him back in the ranks.
But if they don’t make it, on the basis of this season, he might be worth more like the £40million-plus the Whites were quoting Newcastle two summers’ ago [Telegraph] than the £20m he nearly left to Leicester for last January.
Either way it could be tight for an Everton side who have already seen the Premier League crack down on their spending, but if it is the higher asking price it could make it impossible for them to buy him outright.
If he is free to spend another season away from Leeds on loan should they stay in the second tier there might be scope for him to remain at Goodison Park, but it remains to be seen whether the Whites would have any say over that or might prefer a cash windfall for him from elsewhere instead.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites start may need to be dropped Adam Pope has suggested to the shock of Jonny Buchan.