Hartson staying at Coventry

Hartson (l) wants a quick return to the Premiership

John Hartson has quashed speculation linking him with a move to Leicester by committing his future to First Division Coventry.

The Welsh international is set to sign a new contract that will make him the best-paid player in Sky Blues history, according to The Sun.

The one-year extension to his three-year £20,000-a-week contract will reportedly be worth an extra £1m and Hartson could also be given the club captaincy.

But Coventry boss Gordon Strachan has agreed that the powerful striker will be allowed to leave Coventry if they do not achieve promotion next season.

It doesn't matter if Manchester United come in with the money, I am happy to stay

  John Hartson

Hartson said: "The reason I've changed my mind and decided to stay is because the gaffer has convinced me we have a chance of bouncing back into the Premiership.

"He wants me to be the main man. He wants to build the team around me and wants me to lead by example.

"It doesn't matter if Manchester United come in with the money, I am happy to stay. I went to see the gaffer on Wednesday to sort things out because I'm moving house and needed to know what was happening.

"He said that on today's valuations I was worth £12m, which prices me out of the market.

"Gordon Strachan is one of the best footballing people I've worked with and I've found happiness here.

"I've said all along my only reasons for wanting to leave were to play Premiership football and I knew there were three or four clubs willing to give me that chance.

"When my moves to Charlton, Tottenham and Rangers all broke down, my career might have been going nowhere at Wimbledon.

"But Coventry were the one club prepared to take a chance on me, even though I failed the first medical.

"The gaffer kept persevering to get the deal done and I'll always appreciate that.

Strachan: Delighted with Hartson decision

"Now I'm 1,000% focused. There's a great set of lads at Coventry and I know we'll all plug together and give it a right good push next season."

Strachan said: "We are absolutely delighted that John is staying on. All the staff at the club are delighted, the coaches are delighted, the players are delighted - and I'm sure that the fans will be delighted.

"It just goes to show that good things come to those who wait. We were patient and took our time when John made his initial announcement.

"We didn't panic and we talked to John and he did a lot of thinking.

"He was obviously worried about not playing in the Premiership and we persuaded him that it would only be for a short time."