Everton transfer news as Leeds United winger Jack Harrison set to undergo Goodison Park medical
Everton have stepped up their interest in Jack Harrison and the Leeds United winger is now set to undergo a medical with the Premier League side, according to Paul Joyce.
Harrison was a rare shining light for Leeds last season as they suffered relegation to the Championship and has been linked with a number of top-flight clubs.
The 26-year-old is nursing a hip injury that could keep him out until after the September international break, but that does not appear to have put Everton off making a move.
Joyce reported on the Sunday Times’ online publication [13 August] that negotiations between Everton and Leeds over a loan deal with an option to buy are at an advanced stage, and there are suggestions he is in line to undergo a medical.
Much-needed signing
Everton’s shortfalls in the final third were once again clear to see on Saturday [12 August] as they fell to a 1-0 loss at home to Fulham in their Premier League opener.
The Toffees dominated proceedings but squandered a number of chances – stand-in centre-forward Neal Maupay being the most profligate of all – heightening their need for another new player in the final third to join fellow new recruit Youssef Chermiti.
While an out-and-out striker would very much be welcomed by supporters as Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again spends time on the sidelines, Harrison does at least bring some proven Premier League pedigree.
The former England U21 international scored and assisted a combined 37 goals for Leeds across their three-season stay in the top flight, including five goals and seven assists last time out in what was a poor side.
To put that output into some context, the 0.40 goals and assists per 90 minutes Harrison recorded in the Premier League last season was more than any Everton attacker [FBref].
Everton have already had two bids rejected by Leeds for Wilfried Gnonto [The Times], so there may still be some work to do in terms of negotiating a fee for Harrison.
On the basis of their performance against Fulham, which was a continuation from last season when narrowly avoiding relegation, Everton must quite simply ensure they get a deal over the line.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are ready to let Tom Cannon depart for Preston North End on loan next week.