Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has explained Jack Harrison's comments regarding his future at the club after the 25-year-old was caught off guard by reporters on the Whites' tour of Australia. Newcastle United have submitted an offer for the winger according to the latest transfer speculation despite other outlets claiming Leeds had knocked back a £20million offer earlier this week.
The bookmakers have also slashed the odds on Harrison's potential move to Tyneside, in light of the previous reports. Harrison said, “we’ll see what happens” when asked by reporters about his future, which caused its fair share of panic on social media.
Marsch has since come out to defend his player, suggesting he 'unintentionally brought attention to the whole situation.' Here's everything the Whites boss has had to say about Harrison's future at Elland Road.
READ MORE: Newcastle United tipped to sign Leeds United star as bookies odds tumble amid 'bid'
Jesse Marsch on Harrison's future in the midst of Australia tour
The Whites' boss claimed Harrison would clarify the comments he made earlier in the tour, in order to put fans at ease. Marsch said: "Jack unintentionally brought attention to the whole situation because, for sure, his intention is to be with us. Even when I mentioned about [how] we listen to lots of offers for lots of players, that's the reality of what our business is.
“There's always interest in our players because we have quality players. We're in the top league in the world, but we feel strongly that the guys we have within our group right now can help us be really successful and Jack is certainly one of those.
“Jack really didn't mean to bring any attention to it and I'm sure he'll have his chance to give his side of things, but I know he's happy here. I know he loves playing for the club and he and I have a great relationship, and he knows how important I think he is to what we're doing here in the future.”
He also told Leeds Live: “There’s always been interest in Jack but I know he’s happy here. For me Jack is a big part of plans moving forward.”
Jesse Marsch on listening to offers
Speaking after the pre-season defeat to Aston Villa, earlier in Leeds' tour of Australia, Marsch said: “There’s always been interest in Jack, like many of our players,” he said after the Aston Villa defeat. “But I know that Jack is also very happy here and that he’s done a really good job, that he’s a big part of what we’re doing.
“Of course there’s always possibilities that big transfer offers come in and clubs then have to decide how it fits and what are the best options moving forward. But, for me, Jack Harrison is a big part of our plans moving forward and we’re counting on him this season, for sure.”
Marsch on wanting more from Jack Harrison after Watford win last season
The Leeds winger scored in the Whites' win at Vicarage Road in a result that helped them on their way to Premier League survival. Marsch said: "The Jack Harrison goal, we'd like to see more moments where we can win balls, where we can cleanly and calmly play forward, and where we can create advantages and then finish them off a little bit cleaner.
"So, we're not quite there yet but still, to get a clean sheet, to score three goals on the day and to get a massive result here, I think is really important for us."
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