Harrogate Town pull out of deal for Chester FC's Joel Taylor but remain in the market for a left-back

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s pre-season clash with Sunderland, Simon Weaver confirmed that strengthening the left-hand-side of his defence is still his number one priority ahead of the club’s first-ever Football League campaign.

He did however go on to reveal that Town are now focusing their attentions elsewhere having opted against following up their interest in highly-rated ex-Stoke City man Taylor.

The Chester Chronicle reported that the National League play-off winners had made two bids for the 23-year-old left-back earlier this month and Weaver subsequently admitted that he was keen on the player.

That deal is however now dead in the water.

“We’re still working hard to try and bring in a left-back, that’s the area that we’re really looking at,” the Harrogate boss said.

“Nothing is happening there [with Taylor] and hasn’t been for a while, we are focusing on other options now.

“We were interested, but a few things happened with the deal. We like to work under the radar when it comes to transfers and do things discreetly. I was disappointed that our interest was reported in the press.

"After sleeping on it and feeling like I had a little niggle, we just decided to put the brakes on.”

Town have been busy in the transfer market ahead of their debut season in League Two.

They have already recruited central defenders Jake Lawlor and Kevin Lokko, midfielder Connor Kirby and left-winger Tom Walker.

And, while a left-back remains top of Weaver's wish-list, he is also still in the market for another attacking player.