Pandemic costs could see Swans shelve any Harness interest
Pompey could be waiting a long time for Swansea to come up with the ‘eye-catching transfer fee’ that would tempt them into selling winger Marcus Harness.
That’s if a bid from the Championship outfit even materialises this summer.
At the start of May, The News revealed the Blues were bracing themselves for Swans interest in the 26-yearold, who scored 12 goals and recorded seven assists last term.
Russell Martin’s side have a long-standing admiration for Harness – who would be available for the right price – and registered their interest during last January’s transfer window.
Yet, since that report, the picture emerging from south Wales is one of financial prudence.
The club posted a pre-tax loss of £4.6m in their latest annual accounts as the pandemic had a major impact.
And with Swansea no longer receiving Premier League parachute payments at a time when broadcast, match-day and commercial revenue streams crashed, they saw their income drop by £22.5m.
As a result, Martin is being encouraged to sell before he can make his mark, with the owners desperate to raise funds through sales.
But with no takers at present for any of his current squad, there’s a noticeable lack of movement on incomings.
That saw the Swans miss out on former Pompey player Kal Naismith, who swapped Luton for Bristol City last week.
Blues boss Danny Cowley, meanwhile, has been eyeing the potential availability of Swansea pair Morgan Whittaker and Kyle Joseph.
The News understands that Pompey would only consider permanent moves for the attacking duo. But unless they can generate considerable funds from the sale of Harness, moves for both could be out of reach.
Whittaker moved for £700,000 from Derby in January of last year, and still has three years to go on his existing agreement. Joseph cost £500,000 from Wigan last summer and also has three years to run on his deal.
Pompey are aware of the potential to factor £750,000 signing Harness into any deals for the pair, but no talks have taken place between the clubs to that extent.