Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch has been 'speaking very openly' with Jack Harrison as Leicester City look to tempt him away from Elland Road, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has told GiveMeSport.

The Whites are on the verge of completing Weston McKennie's arrival from Serie A giants Juventus, but there could still be further incomings and outgoings ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Leeds transfer news - Jack Harrison

According to The Athletic, Leicester have tested Leeds' resolve by launching a £20million bid for Harrison just days before the deadline.

The report suggests the Yorkshire outfit are in two minds as to whether to sanction the winger's mid-season exit or tie him down to a new contract.

There is uncertainty over Harrison's long-term future as he has entered the final 18 months of his £60,000-per-week deal.

Newcastle United have previously attempted to lure the former England under-21 international away from Leeds, but he currently has no aspirations to move onto pastures new.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that Arsenal are long-term admirers of Harrison, but the Premier League leaders are unlikely to head to the negotiating table this month.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Harrison?

Sheth understands that Marsch has not rubbished claims of Leicester upping the ante in their pursuit of Harrison.

The Sky Sports reporter is aware that the Leeds boss has been holding discussions with the 26-year-old over his Elland Road future.

Sheth told GiveMeSport: "This is interesting because Jesse Marsch hasn't flatly denied it.

"But he has admitted that he's been speaking very openly to Jack Harrison about what's been around in the media with regard to this interest from Leicester City. He's only got 18 months left on his contract."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Should Leeds sell Harrison ahead of the deadline?

Harrison has shone in a Leeds shirt, with Transfermarkt statistics showing he has found the back of the net 30 times and registered a further 29 assists in 186 appearances.

In fact, his latest strike came in the Whites' FA Cup fourth round win at Accrington Stanley, with BBC co-commentator Martin Keown claiming the former Manchester City man showed a 'touch of class' with his 25-yard effort.

Having also grabbed an assist against the League One side, Harrison was handed an 8.3 match rating by WhoScored, which was only bettered by teammate Patrick Bamford.

The wide-man - who completed a permanent move from Manchester City for £11million a year-and-a-half ago - clearly contributes in the final third of the pitch, but he also plays a key role in Leeds attempting to win the ball back.

Sofascore data shows Harrison has averaged 1.4 tackles and reclaimed possession 1.2 times per Premier League outing this season, further emphasising the Whites should do all they can to hold onto his services.

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