Newcastle launch '£18m bid' - A cheeky offer and move that doesn't make much sense?

According to new reports, Newcastle United have now stepped up their interest in Leeds winger Jack Harrison.

This comes via Football Insider, who claim that we've submitted a formal bid of 'around £18m' for the former Man City man.

They report that we've turned our attention to the 25-year-old after top target Moussa Diaby decided to remain with Bayer Leverkusen. However, there's a few reasons why this story doesn't quite stack up.

Firstly, £18m seems a low-ball offer that simply won't be accepted. He cost them £11m last summer and has bagged 18 goals and 10 assists since they returned to the Premier League. Recent talk of a £35m asking price seemed steep, but £18m will be laughed off by a club who've just banked over £100m for Raphinha and Kavlin Phillips.

Putting money to one side, I struggle to see where Harrison fits. He may be talented and hard-working - two things Howe will like - but he's a left winger. Not only is this Allan Saint-Maximin's best position, Harrison often looks less of a threat on the right - which is the area of the pitch we seem to be targeting in our search for a new wide man.

He would improve us, but he's not naturally a right-winger and will demand considerably more than £18m, so I have my doubts about this one.

Here's what Leeds boss Jesse Marsch had to say about the player's future this week after Harrison was quoted saying "we'll see what happens" when asked about a potential summer exit:

"I think Jack unintentionally brought attention to his situation.

"Always interest in our players but we feel strongly the guys within our group can help us to be successful and Jack is part of that.

"I know he is happy here."