Leeds are hoping to agree a contract extension with Jack Harrison before the turn of the year, and getting his signature on a new deal is now a priority for them, 90min understands.
The club fended off bids from Newcastle United over the summer, with Jesse Marsch insisting that Harrison was a key part of their plans and informing the club’s hierarchy not to let him go during the summer.
“I know he loves playing for the club and he and I have a great relationship, and he knows how important I think he is to what we’re doing here in the future,” Marsch said amid Newcastle’s pursuit of the winger.
Harrison, who refused to rule out a move away during the summer window, has started the season in excellent form and Leeds are now looking for him to commit his long-term future to the club.
The 25-year-old, whose move from Manchester City became permanent last summer following three excellent seasons on loan, has less than two years left on his current deal, and he is some way off the wages of the club’s highest earner Rodrigo, but that would change with a new contract.
Leeds recognise the progress of Harrison and they valued him at nearly £50m when Newcastle came calling, and they are ready to pay him his worth as one of the club’s top players.
90min understands that Leeds are now hoping to sit down with Harrison and his representatives before January as they know if they don’t they could spend much of the next window batting away interest. Newcastle remain interested, while other Premier League rivals are looking closely at the situation.