The bulk of the United first-team returned to Thorp Arch for pre-season training on Monday, but the squad could be joined by our first signing of the summer as soon as next week, as Leeds Live understand a deal is close for Manchester City winger Jack Harrison.
The Citizens had slapped a £20million asking price on the 22-year-old earlier in the summer, with Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions looking to reap the rewards of his season on loan at Elland Road.
There were no takers, however, with Burnley only showing an interest in taking the £51,000-a-week winger on loan for a year. Harrison was not interested a move to Turf Moor, though, as he later made it clear that he wanted a return to West Yorkshire as another year working under Marcelo Bielsa would be great for his development.
Bielsa, likewise, left no doubt that he would like the Stoke-on-Trent-born wide man back in his ranks for another campaign, after the former Liverpool and Manchester United youth player featured in 42 of our games across all competitions last term, scoring and assisting four goals.
Negotiations are still ongoing between Man City and our Director of Football Victor Orta, but there is optimism in a loan deal being reached, as Harrison’s camp are confident the agreement will be sanctioned by the end of the week.
While not noted by Leeds Live, Football Insider understand we would be willing to pay the Etihad Stadium outfit in excess of £1million to secure Harrison’s services for another season.
Here’s how these Whites supporters reacted when Leeds Live claimed a deal was close…
Don’t think he’s as bad as people make out at all. Some fans will moan at anything. Second season under bielsa I think he will be a good signing. #lufc
— Michael Howes (@MikeHowes1421) June 25, 2019
Good happy to see him back, young talent that is only going to get better and add depth to our squad, if Bielsa wants him then I back him MOT ????????
— Robert James (@Robertkas86) June 25, 2019
“Jack Harrison’s camp..”. For God’s sake. Do all young footballers have an entourage now?
— Chris W-S (@NorthPennChief) June 25, 2019
Harrison is an interesting one, upto Christmas last season he was dissapointing though in the second half I felt he improved significantly.
— stickeys honey (@stickeyshoney) June 25, 2019
Good loan – second season with bielsa. Showed glimpses of brilliance just needs to be more consistent. Any other champ team would take him in a heart beat.
— Stephen Highe (@steeze1) June 25, 2019
Good lad, could see it start to click for him in the 2nd half of the season.
— Steve Turner (@SteveLTurner) June 25, 2019
jack harrison how terribly exciting
— shoaib gora (@GoraShoaib) June 25, 2019
This gets the blood pumping and the excitement levels rocketing ????????
— Daniel Smith ???????? (@Smitty_DanSmith) June 25, 2019
Great bit of business, will be a key player next season.
— LetsTalkLeeds_ (@LetsTalkLeeds_) June 25, 2019