Leeds bag Brighton's Harding

By Andy Baggott
June 7 2005

Leeds have made their second splash into the transfer market with Brighton full back Dan Harding joining Rob Hulse for the new season

Harding is a left back/left midfielder with plenty of potential. He is out of contract at the end of the month, but due to him being under 24, a fee will have to be agreed by the two clubs, or a tribunal. Somewhere in the region of £100K to £250k should secure the signing. Terms have been agreed with the player, and he will join on the 1st July. Harding has England under 21 experience, and is a player that will get better. He has had a good season for Brighton, but had the occasional bad game – consistency is something that Blackwell will be looking to add to his game. The signing would seem to signal that Blackbburns Michael Gray will not be returning, despite a successful loan spell, as the three parties (Blackburn, Leeds and Gray) could not come to an agreement.
The Harding signing is the first of a few more, and more names in are likely to be announced in the next week or two as Blackwell starts to get his team ready for next season.

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