Levante want Harte to stay

Ian Harte's on-off move back to England could be put on the back burner once more, with Spanish club Levante keen on tying the Republic of Ireland international to a new contract following their promotion back to the top flight.

Harte joined the Valencia-based side two years ago as part of a major recruitment policy when they were first promoted to La Liga.

However, relegation followed after just 12 months in the top division, and Harte is one of the few remaining big names at the Campo de Vallejo.

He had been expected to return to the United Kingdom this summer, with Scottish Premier League champions Celtic, Manchester City and former club Leeds United among the clubs said to have been keen on his signature.

But he could yet stay in Spain, with Levante chairman Pedro Villarroel set to offer Harte a new improved contract.

Villarroel told the Irish Daily Star: "The money is not the problem but we are disposed to offer to increase the salary. We want to keep him at the club because he is a key player for our team."