Eddie Howe target urged to think again as pundit reveals why Leeds star should avoid Newcastle mistake

Former Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell has urged midfielder Jack Harrison to snub Newcastle in January and stay with Leeds United for the rest of the season.

Harrison, 26, has been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park after his displays for the Whites. Currently in his fifth season at Elland Road, the winger has made 179 appearances in all competitions for the West Yorkshire outfit. And he has bagged 29 goals, with 17 of those coming in the Premier League.

The Stoke-on-Trent-born ace has also assisted 12 and is a firm fans’ favourite at the club.

The Magpies were mentioned in connection with Harrison during the summer window.

However, no bid materialised despite the Tynesiders having cash to spend after the Saudi-backed takeover.

Rumours have been doing the rounds that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe still wants the former England Under-21 star.

It has recently been reported that they will launch a £35m bid for the wide man next month.

Harrison will be out of contract in the summer of 2024. In response, Leeds are thought to be preparing a new contract offer.

And TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey recently suggested Harrison will be offered a new deal in the near future.

Whatever happens, Campbell believes it would be counterproductive if he made the move north in January.

“Being involved in a top-four chase and not playing isn’t good,” he told Football Insider.

“That’s the issue. Newcastle United are going well without him. There’s nothing to say he will walk into that team if he joins Newcastle. There’s no guarantee.

“At Leeds he will start. Nothing beats playing football and starting games every week.”

Harrison key to Leeds plans

Leeds sat 15th in the Premier League table prior to the World Cup break. A promising start to the campaign hit the buffers in late August.

And they picked up just two points from the next eight top-flight games. However, a superb 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield and a 4-3 success at home to Bournemouth steadied the ship.

They went into the break having lost 4-3 to Tottenham but with confidence back in the ranks.

Harrison has played his part, starting 12 times in 13 league outings this term.

He is yet to ignite in front of goal with just one strike to date in 2022-2023 after notching eight last season. But he remains a vital part of Jesse Marsch’s side.

Having lost both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in the summer, the American coach needs to keep his squad together.

And Campbell feels it is a no-brainer for the club to try and tie him down to a fresh deal.

“I’m not surprised he is talking to Leeds about a new contract. It’s the right thing to do,” he added. “If a team comes in to make him a starter, then it’s a different discussion. He’s not going to get that at Newcastle.”

Leeds survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season. They will be only two points above the drop zone when domestic action resumes later his month.

And Marsch cannot afford to lose one of his best players for what may well end up being another relegation battle.

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