Newcastle United 'retain a strong interest' in signing Leeds United winger Jack Harrison this summer, although the Whites are 'not willing' to sell the player, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has claimed.

The Lowdown: Harrison linked with Newcastle

While the Yorkshire club have made some important signings this summer, including Brenden Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra, they have also lost two key players in Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

Another influential figure who has been linked with a move away from Elland Road is Harrison, with various reports claiming that he could move to Newcastle.

It is a rumour which is refusing to go away, and it seems far from certain that the 25-year-old will stay in Jesse Marsch's squad for the long haul.

The Latest: Journalist provides Harrison transfer latest

Taking to Twitter, Edwards, who was the first to break the Harrison interest back in May, claimed that the Magpies are still eyeing up Harrison, but the word from Leeds is an emphatic no.

The Daily Telegraph reporter tweeted:

"#nufc retain a strong interest in Jack Harrison. Leeds United are not willing sellers at this stage. Given I first reported this interest in May the fact it hasn’t ended yet is, in itself, interesting. Nothing imminent on incomings. Market still difficult but work ongoing etc."

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The Verdict: Hold firm, Leeds

Harrison may not necessarily go into the new season as one of the first names on Marsch's team sheet but he is undoubtedly an important player, having registered 50 goal contributions in 166 appearances for Leeds.

His quality and work ethic out wide can continue to be valuable assets for the Whites, while losing another established figure would be a big blow in terms of squad stability at Elland Road.

Also, with Raphinha's exit, the former Manchester City winger is now the most prolific player from 2021/22 to remain at Leeds, having netted eight league goals last term, including the last-gasp winner in the final day showdown against Brentford.

It seems clear that only a huge bid for Harrison could persuade Leeds to do business, which says all you need to know about how highly he is regarded by Marsch and the Whites' powerbrokers.