Brendan Rodgers has expressed his disappointment that Jack Harrison is set to stay with Leeds United and sign a new deal at Elland Road amid Leicester City‘s pursuit of the winger.
Rodgers admitted to BBC Sport Leicester that it is disappointing to miss out on Harrison on deadline day. He had travelled for a medical but Leeds pulled the plug at the last minute, according to Rob Tanner and Phil Hay of The Athletic.
Harrison is set to be rewarded a new contract at Elland Road according to Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, who is reporting Leeds have offered him terms close to Leicester’s offer and he is set to sign the contract imminently, thus ending the saga.
Rodgers was speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Leicester’s trip to Aston Villa, where he was questioned about his side’s attempts to sign Harrison.
He first indicated his surprise to Leeds being receptive to the idea of the transfer, he said: “It was surprising he was available in the first place.”
The player travelled to Leicester but the deal was pulled at the last minute with Leeds keen to keep Harrison and tie him down to a new contract, he added: “So when the deal gets to where it did, of course it’s [disappointing].”
His side signed Tete to reinforce their wide options, as well as bringing in Harry Souttar from Stoke City and Victor Kristiansen from F.C. Copenhagen in the window, too. Rodgers was happy with the January recruitment, despite the frustration with Harrison, he said: “But we’re really happy with the players we did bring in.”
The big updated Jack Harrison quiz – Can Leeds United fans score 20/20?
At least the news of an imminent new contract will put the situation behind Harrison and the club. The goal is survival now and they will hope Harrison can have a big part to play in that again, as he did at the end of last season.
Rodgers’ side are a direct rival to the Whites in the table, with both occupying positions just outside of the relegation zone presently, so it is not a shock to hear of his surprise that Leeds were willing to do business.
In the end he stays, which will be good news for most Leeds fans, as will talk of a new contract. A new deal will work in helping to protect the asset, even if he is to be possibly sold in the summer instead. It will help in maximising profit from any potential future sale.
Should Leeds sell Harrison if a bid comes in this summer?
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