Leeds boss Jesse Marsch backs star attacker Jack Harrison to agree a new contract

Jesse Marsch is hoping Jack Harrison will sign a new contract at Leeds after blocking his move to Leicester late on deadline day.

The England winger, who has only 18 months left on his current contract, arrived at the Foxes’ training ground on Tuesday for a medical ahead of a proposed £20m trade.

But Marsch convinced Leeds bosses to keep Harrison, and he now believes the 26-year-old will commit his future to the club.

“We had been talking to Jack for a while about renegotiating his contract and it’s been going well, but then it stalled at different times,” manager Marsch explained.

“When big offers come in, players have to consider what it might be, so I don’t blame anyone for visiting the possibility.

Leeds believe Jack Harrison will sign a new contract with the Premier League club

Whites boss Jesse Marsch insists contract negotiations are still ongoing with Harrison

“But once we got all the decision makers aligned, it became clear that we wanted Jack to stay, Jack wanted to stay and that’s why he’s still here.

We’re visiting to finalize the contract extension because I think Jack has earned it and is an important guy on our team.

‘I think your head is really clear. This was an opportunity for everyone to express exactly how important it is to us.

‘I wish my wife would give me a vote of confidence like we did with Jack in the last 48 hours!’

A new arrival at Leeds this week was American midfielder Weston McKennie, who Marsch says is set to start at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The club also signed forward Georginio Rutter and defenders Max Wober and Diogo Monteiro in last month’s transfer window and Marsch admits he is now under pressure to deliver.

“We have had two very successful transfer windows,” he said. ‘There is no doubt that our team is stronger now than it was a year ago.

‘It’s a good feeling and now it’s my job to take all the great efforts of our board and make sure they add up to results.

Harrison (white top) has been one of the club’s best players over the past two seasons.

Marsch (left) says Harrison made the decision to stay in January amid interest elsewhere

Leicester made a bold last-minute offer on deadline day for Harrison but it was turned down

‘I have never felt so supported in my career. Now much of the responsibility falls on me and my staff.’

However, Marsch will be without top scorer Rodrigo for two months after he injured his ankle at Accrington last week, coming on as a late substitute with Leeds already leading 3-0.

“Obviously we are disappointed,” added the American. ‘First as a manager, I feel it’s our responsibility to take care of these guys.

‘This was contact right at the end of the game and it ended in a small fracture. You can’t protect players all the time, but after the game, you think, “Shouldn’t we have played him that day?”

“But I wanted to see him and Patrick Bamford play together. We are disappointed for Rodri, but Pat is doing very well.”