Norwich City v Sheffield Wednesday: Tom Lees out to achieve Premier League ambitions with Owls
The former Leeds United centre-back met owner Dejphon Chansiri and needed little convincing to commit his long-term future to Wednesday.
Lees had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League after the Owls lost in the Championship play-off final to Hull City.
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Hide AdBut the 25-year-old has penned a new deal to stay in South Yorkshire until 2021, joining team-mates Keiren Westwood, Glenn Loovens and Kieran Lee in signing extended contracts.
“The chairman wanted to speak to me,” said Lees. “I was really keen to speak to him and talk over a few things. We pretty much got it done in one day.
“I came out of the meeting believing that he matched what I think and vice-versa. Hopefully, he liked what I had to say. I’m really pleased to have got it done. Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve really enjoyed it.
“It is fantastic to have got the deal done and it is great when you see other people doing it and I’m really pleased for those other players as they all deserve it.
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Hide Ad“The club is in a different place from when I first joined. When I joined, the realistic aim was probably not to get relegated.
“I didn’t see it like that when I joined. The feeling I got at the place was that it was a club who were trying to move in the right direction.
“I really liked the atmosphere around the place. I wanted to develop as a player and I think I have done. I think myself and the club are in different situations now.
“It is a long commitment, but was something that I was happy to do.”
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Hide AdOn interest from Premier League clubs, Lees added: “It’s something as a player you try not to get involved in.
“To be fair to the club, they made it clear they wanted me to stay. I was happy to do so.
“If you ask any player, they want to play in the Premier League and I would love to do that with this club.”