Everton will reject the chance to sign Leeds United's Jack Harrison permanently once his second loan spell at Goodison Park ends, as per journalist Graeme Bailey.
Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey thinks the Toffees' takeover means they will be able to target potential upgrades on the winger when the next summer transfer window opens.
The Merseyside outfit's budget was previously limited under the club's last ownership, but they have recently been taken over by The Friedkin Group, who have taken control of 99.5% of the Premier League side.
They could end up paying in excess of £400m for the club in the end, though that may depend on whether certain clauses are triggered.
This amount reinforces just how wealthy the new owners are - and they could potentially make quite a few changes at Goodison Park in the coming months.
Sean Dyche may be waiting nervously to see what verdict is delivered on him - and this takeover could also have an impact on players too.
Current loanee Jack Harrison may be keen to impress in the coming months and persuade those at the top to make a permanent move for him, with the player currently at Goodison Park for his second loan spell from Leeds.
Securing two loan exits since the Whites' relegation back to the Championship, it's unclear whether he has a future at Elland Road. Others have been able to replace him, but he still has three-and-a-half years left on his contract in West Yorkshire.
Graeme Bailey issues verdict on Jack Harrison's future at Everton
In terms of Harrison's future on Merseyside, Bailey thinks his time at the club will come to an end in May.
He told Leeds United News: "Everton’s takeover does affect a permanent deal for him.
"With a new manager, new sporting director, biggest stadiums in England, I think they’re a different prospect. I think they’ve got bigger fish to fry.
"But in terms of his Everton future, I think it’ll be one of those situations where it will be thanks for the last two years but we’re moving in a different direction.
Andrew Omobamidele Related
[Nottingham Forest defender set to be loaned out in January - Leeds United "showed interest"](https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/andrew-omobamidele-set-to-be-loaned-out-nottingham-forest-leeds-united-interest/ "Nottingham Forest defender set to be loaned out in January - Leeds United "showed interest"")
Former Leeds United target Andrew Omobamidele is set to leave Nottingham Forest on loan in January.
"I can see Jack Harrison coming back to Leeds, like a Stuart Dallas, a wing-back. There might be room for him at Leeds. I don’t think Leeds fans hate him, I can see him back at Elland Road in the Premier League.
"When Leeds go up, you need Premier League players. He’s a Premier League player. Leeds can’t go and sign 12 players.
"Aaronson came back, Leeds fans doubted him. Harrison may still have a career at Leeds."
Leeds United may have a decision to make on Jack Harrison
Daniel Farke Leeds United
Bailey is probably right - and it will be interesting to see what Leeds end up doing with Harrison.
He's been out on two loan spells now - and with this in mind - some would argue there's no way back for him at Elland Road.
However, he was a well-liked figure before he made the loan moves away from Elland Road.
And the winger could be a great option to have if the Whites return to the top flight, considering the experience he has at the top level.
At this point, Leeds have a great chance of securing a top-tier return, considering they are only behind Sheffield United at this point. It will be interesting to see what happens with the wide man in the summer.
|Championship table (1st-3rd)|
||Team|P|GD|Pts|
|1|Sheffield United|21|19|45|
|2|Leeds United|21|22|42|
|3|Burnley|21|18|41|
(Table correct as of December 20th, 2024)