Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris had his deal fall through with Bristol Rovers on deadline day, according to reports from Peterborough Telegraph.
With a busy summer of transfers over, it appears not all business was done in time, with Posh and Rovers failing to complete the signing Clarke-Harris due to necessary paperwork not being filed in time for the 11 p.m. transfer deadline.
Posh’s top goal scorer last season has looked on his way out all summer, after Peterborough placed the 29-year-old on the transfer list. With multiple fellow League One clubs interested in the player’s services, the Gas was always heavily linked with Clarke-Harris due to his history with the club and manager Joey Barton wanting a striker partner for Aaron Collins.
With an initial fee of £800,000 in place last week, it seems the clock beat all parties involved, with a deal falling through late on.
Posh Hang On To Their Stars
While this may not be the last we hear of the striker’s saga, going into deadline day, Peterborough had three first-team regulars potentially out the door. However, Clarke Harris, Ronnie Edwards and Josh Knight all remain at the club, as Posh set their focus towards the league and returning to the Championship.
Rovers Left Empty Handed
Despite weeks and days of intense negotiating, Rovers missed out on their man after a reported £800,000 fee would have smashed their previous club record signing of £370,000 for Andy Tillson in 1992.
Ending the day with nothing to show for, Joey Barton is said not to be best pleased with the situation.
Writer’s View
With a transfer saga similar to this coming around every year, I do believe we haven’t heard the last of the situation just yet.
In the whole scheme of things, it was surprising to see Posh publicly transfer list Clarke-Harris back in May, but more surprising now he hasn’t left. Rovers seemed like the only team serious enough to pay Peterborough’s valuation on the player, however, late back and forward got the better of both clubs and now they are left without a deal and tension in the air.
