Reliable journo drops Leeds update after "insulting" bid, it'd be a "massive mistake" - opinion

James Marshment has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United winger Jack Harrison.

In a recent post on Twitter, the TEAMtalk editor revealed that, following Newcastle United’s rejected £18m opening bid for the 25-year-old, the former England U21 international looks set to remain at Elland Road beyond the end of the summer transfer window – with Jesse Marsch insistent that the attacker is happy at the club.

Marshment went on to state that Victor Orta is planning to play hardball in any further negotiations with Eddie Howe’s side regarding the forward, before adding in a further post that Leeds’ asking price for the former Manchester City starlet will be around the £35m mark.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Jack Harrison future – likely to remain with Leeds, amid insulting opening offer from Newcastle. Jesse Marsch adamant the player remains happy – and TEAMtalk understands the Whites are taking a tough stance over his future.”

While it is true that Harrison endured something of a below-par campaign for Leeds last time out – something that could be said for almost all of the Whites’ first-team squad – the argument that letting the winger go this summer would be a mistake is an easy one to make, especially for as little as £18m.

Indeed, despite struggling to find a consistent vein of form over his 35 Premier League appearances last season, the £16.2m-rated forward nevertheless still managed to score eight goals, register one assist and create three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.5 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, the £60k-per-week talent more than proved his top-flight calibre over 36 league fixtures in 2020/21, bagging eight goals,