Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has hit out at transfer rumours around defender Virgil van Dijk.
Pellegrino dropped the Dutchman for defeat to Chelsea, which led to fresh talk of offers arriving from the Blues, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Asked if Premier League leaders City had enquired about his star defender, Pellegrino replied: "I don't think so.
"This morning I was with Les (Reed, Southampton vice-chairman) talking about that but nobody knows about that.
"I know Virgil is an important player.
"Around him there is a lot of speculation - like other players, because we've got important players in the squad - but I cannot control this and I don't want to talk too much about that."
When asked whether the incessant speculation would distract Van Dijk on the pitch, Pellegrino suggested it may actually improve his performances.
"I don't know," Pellegrino replied.
"In the past, when I was a player, I didn't have the same name that Virgil has in the press and the media but when you hear something that another club wants you, it increases your confidence, no?"
Source: tribalfootball.com