Leeds United send firm message to Newcastle United amid £25m pursuit

Leeds United are set to open contract talks with Jack Harrison after fending off interest from Newcastle United.

The former Manchester City winger featured high on Eddie Howe’s shortlist this summer, however the Whites set a £35million asking price.

The Magpies were reported to have submitted two bids as high as £25m, which Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear mocked after rejecting both offers.

“We have rebuffed numerous offers for players that are still core to our playing strategy, including one that, based on its value, was only for Jack Harrison’s right leg,” he said during his programme notes last month.

With Newcastle likely to maintain a close eye on Harrison in the months to come, Leeds have moved to tie down the 25-year-old to a new and improved long-term contract.

Harrison’s current deal expires in 2024 but Leeds are wary of letting the player enter the final 12 months at the end of the season.

The Stoke-born forward moved to the US to begin his senior career at New York City before returning to England with Man City.

Harrison had a short loan spell at Middlesbrough and spent three years at Leeds before the Elland Road club bought him permanently for £11million last summer.

The former England under-21s international has scored 29 goals and provided 25 assists in 172 appearances for the Whites.

“My intention is to be here and work hard for this team,” Harrison previously said about his future. “If anything I want to make a greater impact than before and I think this is the best place to do that.”