Hetherington hasn't been afraid to pay transfer fees before BUT you need a willing seller and a willing player. Does Atkins really want to leave Warrington enough to demand a transfer? They aren't a club who need the cash so are unlikely to accept an offer if one were made direct. Down that road therefore lies an ugly, Harris-esque dogfight whereas, if ever he comes to Leeds, it's more likely to be along the lines of JP - at the end of his current deal.

Did we make a bid for him when he was available?or did Wire outbid us?

If I remember correctly the Wire outbid us, but he spoke at the time of his dream to play for his hometown club at some point in his career.

At the time he moved to Warrington (September 2009) Leeds were also fairly well equipped at left centre.

there is no way leeds could afford either of his wages

The sleeve wont pay over the odds and all due credit to him for that

Rumours around warrington that Harrison's in talks with Leeds! Apparent he had a clause in his contract to speak to other clubs at the end of the year after the "miler" situation!
Source is a player as he was going mad about it saying mylermshud be leaving

what?

My comment is around the fact we would have to pay more for Atkins in wages then we would be paying Smith, Ablett and Klienhorst put together. Hence by far the better options. Ablett is a better all round player than Atkins, Smith can play anywhere in the 1 to 7 positions and Kleinhorst from what I have seen has some potential.
You also missed my other 2 comparisons in Watkins and Hardaker who for me are better than Atkins long term.

jarrod sammut is signing for you

Well that will really improve our defence.
How old is he?

I'd much rather keep Lunt and sign a quality back to cover Webb leaving, unless BMD is considering Mags to fullback?