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No need to worry as Leeds set wheels in motion for satisfying £11m deal

Leeds United are reported to have contacted Manchester City to inform them of their wish to press ahead and sign Jack Harrison on a permanent basis.

The winger has enjoyed an excellent season with the Yorkshire outfit. He has scored eight times and assisted eight more goals in 35 appearances in 2020/21. Indeed, no other English midfielder has been involved in more goals this season than Harrison.

Leeds have already secured a top-half finish ahead of their season finale against West Brom on Sunday. Their run of one defeat in 10 games sees Marcelo Bielsa’s side top the form table. It’s a big punch in the face for those who preach about the ‘Bielsa burnout’.

Indeed, plans are very much in place for Leeds’ summer recruitment. The club will seek a specialist left-back with Ezgjan Alioski due to depart. They also want to land another quality midfield option, with the club looking short whenever Kalvin Phillips has missed out.

However, Leeds will also complete the permanent signing of Harrison. Now on his third season on loan at Elland Road, Leeds have opened talks with City to iron out the transfer.

Indeed, some reports have stated that City will demand £15m from Leeds to sign Harrison permanently. That though is simply inaccurate. Leeds have an option in place already to sign the winger for £11m this summer.

That was put in place last summer when Leeds waived the chance to sign him permanently then. That allowed the club to invest their money elsewhere, with Rodrigo Moreno, Diego Llorente, Raphinha and Robin Koch all arriving.

Hence, Leeds will face no hurdles in completing the signing of Harrison this summer, with the deal already in place.

Indeed, Harrison himself has openly admitted he sees himself making the move permanent. He also cannot see a place for himself under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

“I think something is in place for Leeds this summer,” Harrson said. “It’s been a great experience for me here. Playing three seasons here and not spending much time at Manchester City, it’s hard to feel part of that.”

Given the season he’s enjoyed, Leeds will be getting their hands on an £11m bargain in Harrison, who has been tipped as a future England international.

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Roberts urged to move on

Meanwhile, Tyler Roberts has been told he can take his career on to the next level by quitting Leeds this summer and linking up with Steve Bruce at Newcastle.

According to reports earlier this week, Roberts has turned down the offer of a new deal to leave his future up for debate.

Roberts was linked with an exit ahead of the January window, before Marcelo Bielsa opted to keep him. That decision looked vindicated as the player forced his way into Bielsa’s plans.

But it’s now emerged that he’s a target for Newcastle this summer. It’s suggested Steve Bruce is a huge admirer of Roberts and is willing to fork out £10m for his services.

And according to Paddy Kenny, a move to St James’ Park would help Roberts take his game to another level.

“If he wants to play every week, sometimes you’ve got to move on and try your luck somewhere else,” Kenny told Football Insider.

“If that’s the case and Newcastle are interested, he should go there and get more first-team football. It can only be a good move for him.

“I think Brucey would bring the best out of him if he’s still there next season, maybe in a way the manager hasn’t been able to at Leeds.”

READ MORE: Bielsa warned off making bad mistake, as Leeds told big triple transfer priority

 

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