Journalist: Newcastle see bid rejected for £39m talent, it's a big blow for Howe - opinion

A big claim has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Jack Harrison in the summer transfer window…

Journalist Santi Aouna has claimed that the Magpies have had a bid in the region of £34m rejected for the English winger. 

Their rivals are looking for a fee of around £39m to allow him to leave Elland Road, with the reporter revealing that PIF have not met their demands.

He Tweeted: “Info: Newcastle offered €40m to Leeds for Jack Harrison. Offer refused by Leeds who claim ~47.”

This news comes as a big blow to the Toon head coach because the Whites winger knows what it takes to perform in the Premier League.

Howe is not blessed with quality options at the top end of the pitch and Harrison is a player who would add a much-needed goal threat to the team.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Miguel Almiron scored one goal in 30 top-flight appearances, whilst also failing to provide a single assist. Ryan Fraser, meanwhile, managed two goals in 27 outings in the Premier League – assisting three goals along the way.

These statistics suggest that Newcastle are in desperate need of a winger who can make a significant contribution in the final third. Almiron and Fraser both failed to consistently produce quality at the top end of the pitch and must be replaced this summer if the Magpies want to bolster their attack.

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch previously hailed Harrison’s quality going forward, saying: “He can run all day, he is explosive, he’s effective in 1-v-1s, he’s dangerous, he’s smart. I’m asking him to play a different role, I want him to play a little bit more of an interior player. I just want to give him the confidence to apply our ideas of football and achieve.

“His application [of shooting] in the first game was really