OPINION
Newcastle United could hit the jackpot in the summer if they sign up West Brom midfielder Rekeem Harper, who could become a free agent at the end of the season.
The 19-year-old has been in great form in a breakthrough season at The Hawthorns, but the Baggies have not been able to agree a new deal with the midfielder just yet.
According to the Express & Star, Tottenham are interested in signing Harper if his contract ends up expiring in June, but West Brom are still trying to agree fresh terms with their highly-rated academy product.
Newcastle should definitely join the race to sign Harper, who could be a masterstroke of a signing.
Mike Ashley would only have to pay a compensation fee for the England Under-19 international, and there are no doubts that he would then go on to be worth far more in the future if the Magpies continue to play him in their first team.
Whoever is in charge of Newcastle come the summer needs to beef up the midfield as well.
Harper is a 6ft 2 tall (West Brom’s official website)central-midfielder who is good on the ball and decent off it. He is pretty much an all-rounder and the Magpies could do with one or two more of his ilk added to the squad.
Mohamed Diame’s contract expires in the summer while the Sun has reported that Jonjo Shelvey is heading to West Ham in the transfer window.
Harper is already as good as Diame and in a few years’ time, he will be able to match Shelvey’s abilities if Newcastle keep on playing him.
Let’s say Newcastle have to pay £1million compensation for Harper this summer. He could easily be worth 20 times in that within a few years based on how well he has played for West Brom this term.
Newcastle would strike gold if they strike a deal for Harper.
