Everton and Chelsea have been dealt blows in the race to sign Harry Lee after the teenage goalkeeper signed a new contract with Exeter City, the League Two side announced.
Lee signed his first professional deal with the Grecians on Friday despite several Premier League clubs showing strong interest. The 16-year-old will likely now stay at St James’ Park this summer, where he became the number two last season.
Exeter boss Matt Taylor promoted the youngster to his backup shot-stopper role, but doubt remained in him staying. Devon Live claimed in May that Everton were one of a group of clubs to host Lee on trial.
Taylor was still working on a new Exeter contract for Lee when he trained with Everton. But the Grecians boss was also looking for two new goalkeepers to join the club. Chelsea also showed an interest in the teenager, per Devon Live, having trialled him in April.
Lee is yet to make his senior debut for Exeter but was made the number two for much of last season. Injuries for Lewis Ward and Jonny Maxted opened a door for the Exeter talent to step up to the bench. And he will now hope to make his breakthrough next season.
Everton, Chelsea and their rival Premier League suitors could still try to test Exeter’s resolve with a bid for Lee. Although the Grecians will aim to keep hold of their young up-and-comer after his new contract, in a blow to his many admirers.
Exeter deal Everton bad news with Lee contract
Exeter certainly dealt Everton bad news when the League Two side announced Lee had signed his first professional contract. It shows the teenager is comfortable with how his career is progressing at St James’ Park and under boss Taylor.
Everton, of course, may have not liked what they saw from Lee while the Exeter talent was at Finch Farm to submit an offer. And they will now likely look elsewhere to strengthen the squad. But his stock is only on the rise and the Grecians have a lot of belief in his potential.
“Harry is a 16-year-old who is ahead of his time in terms of his maturity and his pedigree as a goalkeeper,” Taylor told Exeter’s club website. “We expect him to keep growing so he will fill out in terms of his physical size.
“We are going to be really demanding of Harry over the next few weeks, he is going to be put through his paces by goalkeeper coach Scott Brown, and due to the current circumstances, he will get game time.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
