‘Someone would have to offer up big money for Blues to consider selling leading scorer’
IT WOULD take a ‘significant bid’ to prise Marcus Harness away from Pompey this January.
That’s the belief of The News’ Sam Cox, who thinks the Blues will be desperate to maintain his services this winter.
The former Burton forward is the club’s top goalscorer this season with 10 in all competitions, and has found the consistency to his game many were calling for.
And his glistening form has caught the eye of potential suitors from higher divisions.
Earlier this term, the 25-yearold had been linked with a move to Blackburn, but speculation has cooled in recent weeks.
When asked if the club may consider an offer for Harness on the latest edition of Pompey Talk, Cox said: ‘I would have to say no.
‘He’s been a huge source of goals this season with the strikers struggling this term.
‘Although George Hirst’s performances have been very good, he hasn’t scored the goals that perhaps those performances have warranted.
‘It would have to take a significant bid for Pompey to consider it (selling Harness).
‘If that bid does come in, I think they would have no choice but to if they’re able to reinvest that money in replacing his goals and what he does.
‘This season has been Harness’ best run of consistent form in a
Pompey shirt.
‘But as we know of that inconsistency in his past, then it may be beneficial to cash in.
‘From the Blues’ point of view, they know what they have and (head coach) Danny Cowley will feel he can get the best out of him for a longer period of time.’ Harness is yet to open talks with the club over a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
However, Pompey do have an option to trigger an extension within his deal. Cox continued: ‘It’s worth remembering Harness’ contract is expiring at the end of the season but they can trigger an extension on that.
‘But there may be a feeling where they can trigger it and then look at suitors in the summer depending on where the Blues finish in the league.
‘The main consensus for the club would be not to sell in my opinion, with both strikers struggling to find their form in front of goal.’
Harness has scored six more goals than any other Blues player this campaign.