on 7 june 2005, harding reportedly cut short a holiday to sign a three-year-contract with leeds united on a free transfer. since he was under 24 years of age, brighton were entitled to compensation to be decided by a tribunal. on 28 july leeds united were ordered to pay up to £850,000 to brighton, with an initial payment of £450,000 and a further £400,000 dependent on appearances, international caps and promotion success.