Everton set to complete Jack Harrison loan from Leeds United after Aston Villa pull out as permanent update emerges – Sky Sports

 

 

 

 

 

Everton are “close to completing” their loan deal for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison after Aston Villa “pulled out”, according to Sky Sports.

 

 

The broadcaster reported on their website Sunday night (13 August) that the 26-year-old will be moving on a “straight loan deal without an option for Everton to buy”.

David Ornstein of The Athletic had indicated earlier Sunday the Toffees would be “likely to push” for a permanent move “in due course”, having triumphed despite a late hijack attempt from Villa Park.

 

 

 

 

The Englishman is currently out injured, which is apparently the reason for Villa to step back, but he was widely reported to have already completed a medical at Everton prior to their late intervention.

 

 

The Liverpool Echo had suggested that terms “had been agreed” on a loan-to-buy deal but it appears the permanent element will have to be negotiated separately down the line.

 

If Harrison recovers from his current injury to become a strong contributor in Dyche’s squad this season then it would be no surprise for the manager to push to keep him in future, especially if Leeds aren’t successful in their push for promotion this season.

 

 

An option rather than an obligation would have kept the Toffees’ options open for the next year considering cash is fairly tight this summer.

 

 

The fact that Harrison is currently unavailable is an obvious frustration, not least when it comes in light of a 1-0 defeat on the opening day that should have been a victory were it not for the age-old problems of poor finishing and questionable decisions in key moments from the officials.

 

 

 

 

Everton have to take advantage of opportunities as they see him, but Harrison presumably has had the same release clause throughout the summer, so why they are only now pushing a deal through when they have been after him for around two months is somewhat confusing.

 

Dwight McNeil has suffered an injury to reduce Dyche’s options but signing another injured player wouldn’t make sense in reaction to that.

Over the course of the season it is a positive move to add a player who contributed five goals and seven assists in the Premier League last term for a struggling Whites side, even if Everton have to wait a few weeks to feel the benefit.

 

And since it is a loan at this stage it looks like what remains of the budget will still be used to push for another striker and possibly Harrison’s Elland Road teammate Willy Gnonto.

In other Everton news, the club are now “likely” to sell a first-team player in light of the Leeds deal closing in on being sealed.