EXCLUSIVE by MIKE PARSONS and MIKE HALL

THE long running Iestyn Harris sale saga is hotting up again.

The GUARDIAN understands Leeds will step up their interest in Warrington Wolves' stand off next week, following a successful Headingley takeover by businessman Paul Caddick on Tuesday.

Coach Dean Bell has a reported £2m spend allowance from the takeover and he is known to want Harris.

His new chief executive, former Sheffield Eagles supremo Gary Hetherington, is probably Britain's biggest fan of Harris.

Hetherington, while at Don Valley Stadium, had told Wolves boss Alex Murphy that he had financial backing to match any offer that St. Helens could put to Warrington for the Great Britain stand off. That interest is not likely to diminish now he has moved into West Yorkshire.

Hetherington, an assistant manager on the current GB tour, has spoken to Harris once, according to Harris's adviser.

And Murphy says: "I am expecting a phone call from Hetherington soon. He won't have changed his mind about signing him just because he has moved clubs and Dean Bell has always made it plain that he admires Iestyn.

"But if he doesn't get in touch and Saints don't come up with the right deal, and at the moment they are nowhere near it, then Iestyn will be back at Warrington."

Harris's adviser Tom Carroll remains adament that it is Saints for Iestyn and personal terms have been agreed.

He says: "If Leeds did show some interest, I cannot see what they could do to lure him away from wanting to join Saints.

"What more can they offer - extra money! Well, there is more to it than money. He isn't on bad money at Warrington. If this was all about money then Iestyn would be going to Rugby Union but he has made it clear that it is not the case.

"He is happy to join St. Helens. I get the impression that things have not moved forward with St. Helens because Warrington's chairman Peter Higham has been on holiday. He has just come back."

Murphy, however, is not happy with the Knowsley Road outfit. He says: "St. Helens have gone about this deal the wrong way. They have spoken to and agreed a deal with the player before talking with the club. They thought we would roll over and accept a few carrots.

"We have already turned down an £800,000 offer from Llanelli because Iestyn wants to stay in League. If someone in League makes us a good offer then Iestyn will have to be less choosy."

Tom Carroll concluded with a reference to Warrington wanting Harris back in training when he returns from the tour.

He said: "They barred him from training and now they want him back. They took his sponsored car off him before he went on tour - he's got nothing to get to training in!"

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