Everton transfer hopes boosted by Leeds playoff loss

Everton’s hopes of signing Jack Harrison on a permanent deal have been handed a significant boost by Leeds United’s failure to secure promotion to the Premier League, according to reports. 

Harrison was one of a number of Leeds players with a clause in their contract allowing them to be loaned out if the club suffered relegation in 2022/23, with the forward opting to move to Goodison Park last summer despite interest from Aston Villa.

The 27-year-old made 35 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions last season, notching four goals and three assists. Although he faced some criticism from Evertonians over his consistency, he remained a popular figure both on the terraces and in the dressing room thanks to his high work rate.

Everton ‘hoping’ to use Leeds playoff loss in Harrison talks

Despite an eight-point deduction, Everton finished 15th and 14 points clear of the relegation zone in 2023/24 and can now plan for a record 122nd season in the English top flight.

However, their position when it comes to Premier League spending rules remains precarious with further punishments still not off the table. What’s more, Everton are still searching for a new owner to replace Farhad Moshiri.

All of that means Sean Dyche will be working on a tight budget in the summer market.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are ‘hoping’ to use Leeds’ defeat to Southampton in the Championship playoff final on Sunday to strengthen their position in talks to sign Harrison on a permanent deal.

Keeping a player already familiar with Dyche’s tactical set-up around would be preferable for the club.

Everton confirmed recently in a club statement that they would be in contact with Leeds regarding Harrison at the end of the season.

“Everton will continue dialogue with Leeds over the future of forward Harrison when the Yorkshire club’s current Championship play-off campaign is completed,” the statement read.

However, it’s understood any deal for Harrison will be influenced by what happens to fellow Leeds forwards Wilfried Gnonto and Championship Player of the Season Crysencio Summerville.

Should the Whites lose one or both of those two, they may refuse to sell Harrison, who still has four years to run on his current deal at Elland Road.