According to Phil Hay, Jack Harrison was practically a Leicester City player before Leeds pulled the plug on the transfer just before the deadline.
Harrison was the subject of a reported £20 million bid from Leicester City this week. Hay reported that the deal was actually closer than everyone thought, with Harrison undergoing a medical:
“On Tuesday evening, Harrison actually made the trip to Leicester’s training ground, pre-empting the possibility that he could be sold at the last minute. City got a medical going. Then, with the clock counting down, Leeds reached the decision to keep him and the prospect of him leaving finally died a death.” Hay wrote in his Athletic column.
Harrison was a key target for Leicester, with Brendan Rodgers including him in a planned revamp of his attack. The Foxes’ coach wanted the forward as well as Brazilian signing Tete on Tuesday night, but only one deal was completed.
“Leicester had taken a shine to Harrison in previous windows but as this January went on, they were made to feel like capturing him was more achievable than it had been in the past. They wanted wingers, among their targets the Brazilian Tete who joined them from Lyon on Sunday, and they were set on Harrison if Leeds were willing to accept a fee of £20 million or thereabouts.” Hay wrote.
Leeds plan is now to focus on a contract extension for Harrison in the coming weeks.