Phil Sumbler
The football season may already have a couple of days left for Swansea City but that does not stop the rumours coming thick and fast with Portsmouth winger Marcus Harness the latest to be linked with a summer move to SA1.
Already this week we have seen increased speculation over Joel Piroe and Shrewsbury goalkeeper Marko Marosi and now it is the turn of Harness to be linked with a move.
The News is reporting that Russell Martin remains an admirer of Harness who was of interest to the Swans in the January window but it is suggested that Portsmouth held out then in the hope that they could have a play off push – a push that never happened.
Former Swans manager Kenny Jackett paid £750,000 to take Harness to Fratton Park from Burton Albion and the forward has scored 31 times in 134 appearances including a career high 12 goals this season.
The News also reports that Portsmouth did turn down a bid in January but it has not been confirmed that it did come from SA1 although speculation elsewhere suggests that it may have been.
Pompey have previously activated their option to keep Harness which effectively means that he is entering the final 12 months of his deal which means he may be available at a slightly cheaper price although the report suggests that they would be looking to recoup at least their outlay on Harness who is now classed as their most saleable asset.
The paper concludes that hile Pompey are loath to lose Harness this summer, Danny Cowley will be allowed to use any fee received to strengthen his playing squad.
That in itself could persuade the Blues to do business, while no doubt Harness himself will be keen to test himself in the Championship – should interest come to fruition.
