Leeds United make decision on £20m Leicester City bid for Jack Harrison
Leeds United have rejected Leicester City’s £20million bid for winger Jack Harrison as the Whites want to keep much of their squad intact to consolidate their Premier League status, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The Athletic reported journalist David Ornstein reported on Saturday afternoon [28 January] that the Foxes made the offer to the Yorkshire outfit last week, and the club were debating whether to sell him or let him go this month.
However, coach Jesse Marsch soon quashed those reports after the former Manchester City put in a show-stopping performance in their 3-1 FA Cup triumph over Accrington Stanley, a game which saw Harrison score his 30th career goal in all competitons for the Whites.
Speaking after the game [via The Independent, 28 January], Marsch said: “Listen, all I’ll say is, I really like Jack first as a person. He’s one of the most incredible people I’ve ever coached.
“We like him here. We want to keep him. He’s performing really well. I think getting him fit and healthy has been a big key. He’s got flexibility in the way he plays.”
And according to the Mail on Sunday [29 January, pg 108], the Whites wish to keep the 26-year-old as they want to keep their squad intact as they look to consolidate their Premier League status this season.
Must Keep
Harrison is a crucial player for Leeds and Marsch, and while the attacking department in the squad looks well-stocked with the recent signings of Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Luis Sinisterra, Harrison still remains a vital component in the Whites weaponry.
30 goals and 29 assists in 186 outings at Elland Road show just how key he is to the club, and his qualities in the attacking third can only aid Marsch’s quest to keep the Whites in the Premier League.
It is why they must keep him for the next six months at least, as his experience and proven quality in crucial periods at Elland Road could shine through once again.
Also, Harrison’s versatility is a key component too, as he’s well-versed in all three of the attacking positions behind the striker and he rarely gets injured too.
The player’s character, mentality, attacking quality and experience means he is indeed an incredible footballer, but more importantly, he is arguably Marsch’s most valued player right now.
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