Jack Harrison is expected to sign an improved contract at Leeds United in the coming weeks, Sky Sports News can reveal, after he was called back to the club while undergoing a medical at Leicester City on Deadline day.
Leicester agreed a fee of £20m plus add-ons with Leeds mid-afternoon on Tuesday and the winger was given permission to travel to the East Midlands to complete the deal.
He arrived at Leicester’s Seagrave training base in the early evening.
But Sky Sports News understands there was a late change of heart within the Leeds hierarchy, who phoned the 26-year-old and told him the deal was off.
We understand Leicester’s offer included a significant pay rise, compared to Harrison’s existing Leeds contract, which has 18 months remaining.
After conversations between the player, his agent and Leeds officials, Leicester were informed that Harrison was no longer available, and he returned to Elland Road.
Leeds are now determined to tie Harrison down to a new, long-term contract with talks already under way.
It is understood Harrison, who scored in the FA Cup win against Accrington Stanley at the weekend and who has made 20 appearances this season, is happy to stay at Leeds.
Despite the Harrison U-turn, Brendan Rodgers believes Leicester futureproofed their squad in the January transfer window.
The club still signed Harry Souttar from Stoke, Tete on loan from Shakhtar and Victor Kristiansen from FC Copenhagen – the first time the club has made permanent additions in January for five years.
Marc Albrighton and Ayoze Perez were allowed to leave on loan to West Brom and Real Betis respectively, with Perez expected to have played his last game for the Foxes with his contract expiring in the summer.
Harrison’s signature would have topped a positive window for the Foxes but Rodgers remained philosophical.
“It was surprising the player [Harrison] was going to be available and then it got as far as it did, having met and spoken with the player,” he said, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.
“It’s something which didn’t happen but other than that I’m happy with the three players we brought in. It didn’t quite materialise but it doesn’t take away from the fact we had a really good window.
“It’s been a long time since the club signed players in January but there was definitely a need for it. Especially after the last couple of windows.
“It’s not just about now, it’s preparing going forward. We have a number of players out of contract in the summer in key positions, especially at centre-half. It was important from that aspect, strategically.”
Rodrigo out for two months after ankle surgery
Leeds’ Premier League survival hopes have been dealt a huge blow with forward Rodrigo facing two months on the sidelines.
The Spain international sustained an ankle injury against Accrington and has undergone minor surgery.
Rodrigo, who has scored 12 goals so far this season in all competitions, suffered bone and ligament damage as a result of a challenge.
The medical team at Leeds’ Thorp Arch training base are confident Rodrigo will return to play by the end of March.
Leeds sit one point above the relegation zone.
This content was originally published here.
