Jack Harrison cannot find any reason why he would not want to be a Leeds United player next season, especially in the Premier League.
The Manchester City winger is approaching the conclusion of his second season at Elland Road, with conversations still to be had about his long-term future.
The 23-year-old has two more years to run on his Etihad Stadium contract, but there is little prospect of regular game time there before it expires.
By contrast, in West Yorkshire, Harrison has strung together 63 consecutive Championship starts since December 2018 and become central to Marcelo Bielsa’s plans.
There is understood to be an agreed fee of £8m between City and United if the latter did want to make it permanent.
Harrison admits it would be hard to say he would not want to come back to Elland Road.
“It’s been great for my development,” he said. “As a player, it’s hard for me to say why I wouldn’t want to come back here.
“For me, it’s been a great experience. The lads have been great, working with the coaching staff I’ve learnt a lot and just the club as a whole have really helped me out.
“There’s no reason why I should say ‘no I don’t want to stay here next season.’
“Hopefully, if it’s in the Premier League, then even better. Fingers crossed that happens.”
Harrison is expected to make his 64th consecutive starting line-up under Bielsa in the league when the team travels to Cardiff City for Sunday’s restart.
Since returning to training last month at Thorp Arch, Harrison said all of the fitness and weight data collected has been encouraging, with no great dip since the season stopped.
“We’ve gradually built it up the last couple of weeks, just to make sure there’s no injuries, but in terms of GPS numbers and all of that it’s gradually increased and the muscle soreness is non-existent,” he said.
“That’s good because it shows all the gym stuff you’ve done in quarantine, before the training, shows you can stay at that level.
“In terms of weights, it’s gradually come down as well, so everyone’s in a good spot and more than prepared not only on the field, but off the pitch, to play this weekend.”
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