Birmingham City's Harlee Dean has claimed he is available on a free transfer this summer amid his Sheffield Wednesday loan spell.
The centre-back joined the Owls on loan in the January transfer window, but has only featured six times for the club so far after suffering an injury that ruled him out for all of February and most of March.
Speaking after Sheffield Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, Dean said he had not held discussions with the club over his future, but revealed that he is going to be available on a free transfer this summer - despite having a contract that runs until 2023.
"Not at all," Dean replied, via the Star, when asked if discussions had been held over his future at Hillsborough.
“We’ve been fully focused on these matches. I know I’m not going to be at Birmingham next season, I’m going to be available on a free, so whenever that comes in the summer that’s what happens - we’ll deal with that then."
Dean fell out of favour at Birmingham City, recently saying he did not know why, and that he did not see a future for himself with the Blues.
The revelation that he is available on a free is new though, but Dean refused to be drawn on further discussion on his future, saying his and the club's full focus was on making the play-offs when asked if he'd like to join the Hillsborough club permanently.
"The present is about making the Play-Offs, and that’s all we’re concentrating on.” Dean explained.
"I can’t comment on that, because it’s not my place to say. I can’t make decisions for other people."
"I’m enjoying my football, and I know I can better."
I want to achieve something this year with Sheffield Wednesday, and that’s my future at the minute."
The Verdict
There still seems to be a lot we don't know about what went on for Harlee Dean at Birmingham City.
The defender was recently adamant he had no future with the Blues and now he has revealed he is available on a free this summer despite having time left on his contract.
If true, this suggests both Birmingham and the player are looking to part ways as quickly and easily as possible this summer, so it leaves you wondering what has gone wrong between them.
Either way, Dean is fully focussed on ending the season strongly with Sheffield Wednesday and hopefully for him and the club, finishing in a play-off spot.