Manchester City Reportedly Set to Sign Jack Harrison from New York City FC

Manchester City are reportedly set to sign New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison in a £4 million deal. 

According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, upon completion Harrison will head to Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of the season.

"The former Liverpool and Manchester United academy prospect has proved a big success in Major League Soccer and earned a call up to the England under-21 squad earlier this season and made his debut as a substitute against Scotland," wrote Jones.

Stoke City reportedly appeared to be close to securing the 21-year-old last week, although a £3.25 million move fell through. Harrison was born in Stoke, before his family relocated to Massachusetts when he was 14.

Keith Downie of Sky Sports News reported that Harrison was in the country on Tuesday to get the deal wrapped up:

Harrison was the first pick in the 2016 MLS draft and was a shining light in the division for New York.

In his first season for the club he was used sporadically and showcased glimpses of talent. However, in 2017 Harrison cemented himself as a key man for Patrick Vieira's side, dazzling on the right flank and picking up 10 goals in 36 MLS outings.

The displays evidently caught the eye of some Premier League sides, and Harrison appears poised to get his move to England before the end of the January window. He admitted he'd be keen to play in the division too, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC:

It appears that Harrison will have to wait a little longer before he samples the Premier League, though, as he's poised to go out on loan to the Championship.

At Boro he will work under Tony Pulis, who is seeking to push his side up the table towards a play-off spot. They sit in eighth spot, just four points back on sixth place Fulham having played a game less.

Michael Stewart/Getty Images

Should he arrive, Pulis will be hoping the winger provides the spark needed for his side to have an exciting finish to the season. 

Indeed, football writer Kristan Heneage said while Harrison is an exciting prospect, he doesn't envisage the England youth international ever playing a senior game for City:

"

Jack Harrison linked with a loan move to Boro via #MCFC. I sense the breakdown in the Stoke move has engineered this. It's highly unlikely he'll play for City. Instead, they'll hope he has a good six months with Boro before selling him on for profit, ala Aaron Mooy @ #HTAFC.

— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) January 30, 2018"

Even so, there are plenty of sides in Premier League and near the top of the second tier that would benefit from a footballer who can conjure magic moments on the pitch, which Harrison can.

Nevertheless, it's a massive opportunity for Harrison to impress in English football having taken Major League Soccer by storm already. His progress will be well worth monitoring in the Championship for the remainder of the campaign.