Everton ‘smart’ amid ongoing Leeds United transfer talks to sign Jack Harrison – Paul Brown
Everton are “smart” to be targeting Leeds United winger Jack Harrison as he is the sort of player they “desperately need” according to Paul Brown.
A report from Football Transfers on 18 June said the Toffees were already in “ongoing” talks with the Whites over a deal for the winger, along with teammate Willy Gnonto, who is said to be open to a move to be closer to family in the North West.
The push comes amid further links to exit-bound Elland Road players, with midfielder Tyler Adams [Daily Mail, 19 June] and young wide man Crysencio Summerville [Telegraph, 20 June] also reported targets, but 26-year-old Harrison is considered an ideal man to go after.
Former Daily Star journalist Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Jack Harrison fits the bill. Everton desperately need some creativity and pace in wider areas. They really struggled to create much for whoever played as striker this season.
“I think Harrison of the two jumps out as someone who can do that kind of thing. It would be smart to target players like that I think, in the market. It’s probably the one area of the pitch that they most need bodies in.”
Quick play
Harrison could well be a strong addition to this Everton team if they are able to get a deal over the line this summer, after five league goals and seven assists in a relegated side.
Dyche’s attacking options have been far from plentiful since his January arrival, and were it not for the outstanding contribution of Abdoulaye Doucouré it is unlikely the rest would have been enough to stay up.
The squad still needs a replacement for Anthony Gordon, and Andros Towsend’s injury the season before last ultimately ended his contribution to the Toffees.
However, Newcastle were hot on Harrison’s trail a year ago before being priced out of a move by Leeds, and now-relegated Leicester almost signed him on January deadline day.
While neither side are likely to be in the market for him again this summer it would be little surprise if there was wider interest.
So it is positive news if the club have jumped ahead of the crowd to enter talks, but with cash thought to be thin on the ground his reported £18million release clause may be difficult to navigate should another side be ready to pay it in full.
If Everton can reach an agreement to provide that much over an extended period of time the move could be on the cards, and the former Manchester City man would likely be very useful for Dyche.