Leeds chairman, Peter Ridsdale, has issued a hands off warning to any club considering a move for out-of-favour full-back Ian Harte. The Republic of Ireland defender has been frozen out by Elland Road boss David O'Leary since the return to fitness of Dominic Matteo following his arrival from Liverpool.
With Ridsdale having previously declared that the club would look to finance next summer's proposed £12million fee for Robbie Keane by listening to offers for any player not in the first team, Harte has been linked with a move to Newcastle and Chelsea. But, following the departure of both Matthew Jones and Darren Huckerby, Ridsdale has now said that Harte is definitely not for sale.
"David O'Leary wants him to stay and compete with Dominic Matteo for the left back spot," he said. "With the FA Cup and other important games coming up, we need Ian to fight for his place and I am sure that is what he will do."
Filed by Seán Folan
