NEWCASTLE UNITED’S search for a new attacking player continues to run into difficulties, with Leeds United adamant they will not be selling Jack Harrison for less than £35m.

Having missed out on Hugo Ekitike, and called off their pursuit of Moussa Diaby and Alexander Isak because of what they deem to be unrealistic financial demands, Eddie Howe and the rest of Newcastle’s recruitment team are having to cast their net wider as they look to recruit a wide player and a forward before the transfer window closes.

Harrison is one of their options for the wide-attacking role, with Howe a strong admirer of the 25-year-old’s creativity and work rate.

The Magpies are ready to make a formal move for the former Manchester City attacking midfielder, but having already lost Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer, Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is determined to do all he can to hold on Harrison.

Having initially joined Leeds on loan in 2018, before eventually completing a permanent move to Elland Road for £11m 12 months ago, Harrison has evolved into a key member of the Yorkshire club’s preferred line-up in the last few seasons.

He made 35 Premier League appearances last term, scoring eight goals, and has been heavily involved in Leeds’ pre-season programme.

Marsch confirmed his reluctance to entertain a bid for Harrison when he spoke in the wake of his side’s friendly defeat to Aston Villa yesterday.

“There’s always been interest in Jack, but I know he’s happy here,” said Marsch. “For me, Jack is a big part of plans moving forward.”

Leeds’ board might have other ideas, although having banked around £80m already this summer, there is no compelling financial necessity forcing them to cash in on Harrison.

As a result, unless Newcastle are prepared to pay at least £35m, their chances of luring Harrison to St James’ Park would appear to be slim.

They are also assessing their options in the attacking positions, with Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata a target along with Chelsea’s Armanda Broja.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is still to decide what to do with Broja, with Newcastle keen on a season-long loan for the Albania international, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

If Tuchel decides to release Broja this summer, the Magpies will face intense competition from both Everton and West Ham for his signature.

Ivan Toney is another potential attacking option, although Brentford are understandably reluctant to lose the former Newcastle United striker, who was their leading scorer last season.

A month or so ago, the Magpies thought they had tied up a deal for Hugo Ekitike, but the French youngster opted against a move to Tyneside, preferring instead to hold out for a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain, which was tied up yesterday.

Ekitike has joined PSG on loan from Reims, with his new employers having been unwilling to match Newcastle’s offer for a permanent deal.

“It’s a real proud moment to be here,” said Ekitike. “My heart chose Paris. I’m French, it’s the club from my country, and it’s a club where the greatest players play, where there is a quality and experienced staff and the desire to win all the trophies in all the competitions.

“There is everything here for me to improve. All the ingredients are here, so it’s a logical choice for me to be here. I myself have family in the Paris region, and I have always followed Paris St Germain. All this makes it very natural for me to want to join this club.”

With clubs right across the continent reluctant to sell their leading attacking assets, Howe admits Newcastle are having to be flexible as they look to complete their summer spending.

“I think we are looking at players, not necessarily one area of the team,” said Howe, whose side complete their Austrian training camp with a friendly against Mainz tomorrow. “I think you have to be adaptable.

“If we can’t find the right player, I might have to look at other positions. Certainly, we are looking at one or two players that could make the difference.”