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David Wagner pledges future to Huddersfield after Wolfsburg links

Huddersfield Town coach David Wagner has pledged his future to the Championship club following speculation linking him with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

Wagner, 45, was reported by various German news outlets on Monday to have been lined up as a replacement for current Wolfsburg coach Valerien Ismael.

Wolfsburg director Hans-Gerd Bode dismissed rumours earlier on Tuesday that his club were set to appoint Wagner, who has now declared his commitment to Huddersfield.

"There have been a lot of rumours around my future in the media and although I don't believe I should be the story, I cannot stay silent on this matter," Wagner said in a club statement.

"It is correct that there has been interest from a few Bundesliga clubs. They have obviously seen the way we are going at Huddersfield Town and the journey we have been on together over the last 12 months.

"It's important for me to clarify that my focus is on moving forward at Huddersfield Town. We want to develop what has been a good season so far into a great one, with the staff, players and fans together as one."

Terriers fans had reacted with dismay at reports in Germany claiming Wolfsburg had held talks with Wagner about him replacing Ismael during the Bundesliga's winter break.

Wagner added: "I ask our fans to keep up the superb support they have given the players all season, starting with the game against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. We are creating something special here."

The former United States international and Borussia Dortmund reserve-team coach, appointed as Chris Powell's successor at Huddersfield in November 2015, was linked with another Bundesliga side, Ingolstadt, in November this year.

Wagner was also among a list of possible candidates to fill the recent vacancies at Championship sides Derby County and Aston Villa.

Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle expressed his annoyance at the latest reports and said the German media had been disrespectful to the West Yorkshire club.

"Huddersfield Town may not be a Bundesliga club or one that plays in European competition, but make no mistake -- we are a serious, proud, ambitious club with a rich history," Hoyle said.

"Perhaps this isn't clear to some of our colleagues in the media in Germany considering the tone of some articles that were published over the last 48 hours.

"We are not to be toyed with or dismissed out of hand. We have values and always conduct ourselves in the right manner; something that cannot be said for other clubs.

"I think David's ongoing commitment to Huddersfield Town is testament to this club and its standing.

"He's turned down several advances from Bundesliga clubs during his time here, the latest coming very, very recently."

Hoyle said Wagner's commitment to Huddersfield should not be questioned and was keen to appease unsettled Town supporters.

"It is important to be clear on this," Hoyle added. "The day will come when David moves on, as is the case with every manager or head coach at every club in world football. However, that day is not upon us."

Wagner, who worked under good friend and former Mainz teammate Jurgen Klopp during his time at Dortmund, steered the Terriers to safety in the Championship last season.

He completely overhauled his playing squad in the summer, drafting in 13 new signings, and has quickly turned Huddersfield into playoff challengers.

The Terriers, who will bid for a fourth straight league win against Forest, are currently fourth in the table.