Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has insisted that star manXherdan Shaqiri is not for sale, despite AS Roma sniffing around for a potential deal.
The 25-year-old was recently linked with a return to Italy, a story that was intensified when his brother and agent said 'you never say never' in regards to a potential move.
But Hughes has quashed the rumours, claiming that 'it's all speculation' and that there is no substance to it.
I've heard the speculation,� said Hughes, as quoted in theMirror. But that's all it is “ speculation.
There was a throw-away comment from his brother and it was jumped upon by some people who thought there was something afoot.
But that isn't the case. Shaq is moving into a new property at the moment, so that would suggest he's happy here and settled.
Shaqiri staying put - Hughes: Stoke boss Mark Hughes has dismissed suggestions Xherdan Shaqiri is headin... https://t.co/Yl0wb59KqL #bpl
Take it from me, he isn't going anywhere, anytime soon.�
The former Inter and Bayern Munich winger scored twice last week at Hull City, putting his tally for the season up to three, which equals his overall efforts from last season.
And Hughes is thrilled that Shaqiri has found his feet in the Premier League after a tough debut season.
He added:Shaq needed a year to come to terms with the Premier League.
He was our record signing and there was pressure and expectation on him.
Sometimes that can be difficult and I think that was what he struggled with a bit.
But he has come back having had a really good effect at the Euros “ and it looks like the switch has been flicked.
He has really got to grips with the Premier League and we are going to benefit from that.�
Shaqiri isn't the only player to impress in Staffordshire this season, as summer-signing Joe Allen has also been a star man after completing a £13mmove from Liverpool.
Hughes continued:Swansea were flagged up as one of the clubs who were also interested in Joe and I was a little bit worried about that emotional feeling he might have had for his previous club.
He could have taken the easier option to go back to Swansea. But he took a leap of faith with us and he has benefitted from that.
Sometimes it's the right club, at the right time, for the right player. I think that's what happened with Joe.
It isn't until you work with a player every day that you realise what they are about.
Some players surprise you. I knew Joe was a good player “ we paid £13m for him “ but he has surpassed my opinion.�