Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch reacts after Jack Harrison fuels Newcastle speculation
Jesse Marsch has moved to dampen speculation that Leeds United winger Jack Harrison could leave the club amid Newcastle interest.
The Saudi-backed Magpies have been looking at the winger as an alternative option to Moussa Diaby, who they cannot afford from Bayer Leverkusen, but the Whites aren’t looking to sell and have put a £36million price tag on him [Telegraph].
However, when asked about the links to Eddie Howe’s side following the preseason defeat to Aston Villa in Australia, instead of ruling out a move, the player would only go as far as to say, via the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We’ll see what happens.”
But Marsch has insisted it was a mistake on the 25-year-old’s part to fuel speculation, instead insisting that his former rival in New York is happy at Elland Road.
BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone relayed the manager’s words via Twitter, writing: “Jesse Marsch on Jack Harrison’s LUFC future: ‘I think Jack unintentionally brought attention to his situation.
“Always interest in our players but we feel strongly the guys within our group can help us to be successful and Jack is part of that.
“I know he is happy here.'”
Damage limitation
It seems entirely unlikely that United would sanction a sale for Harrison at this stage of the window, especially after already losing Raphinha this summer, and not least to a club within the Premier League.
Despite their vast wealth it appears that Financial Fair Play restrictions are preventing Newcastle from splashing their cash as much as expected, with The Telegraph also suggesting they have not gained the number of sponsors hoped for following their controversial takeover.
It would take major money for the Whites to be faced with a real decision but in those circumstances it doesn’t look like that is a possibility.
Therefore, it is at best unhelpful for the speculation to run on and not be nipped in the bud by the player himself.
If he was entirely happy then there was nothing preventing him from saying so when asked, so even if he isn’t actively agitating for a move the possibility remains that he would be open to one.
It is a moot point unless somebody were to make a strong enough offer, but Marsch could obviously do without unsettled players as he gears up for what everyone hopes will be a much-improved season.
Harrison may have seen Kalvin Phillips make a major move to Manchester City, whom he was once on the books of, and wonder what opportunities might be out there.
Movement on this front before the end of the summer would be a surprise, but it is perhaps one to keep an eye on in January and next year, especially if the club are not performing significantly better.
In other Leeds United news, the club are actively looking for help at left-back after Junior Firpo’s injury but a potential solution has come to them.