Neil Critchley says Blackpool have no intention of selling Jerry Yates, amid reports Nottingham Forest are keen on the in-demand striker.
The Reds have been linked with a summer move for the 24-year-old, who has been in red hot form, netting 16 goals in 40 appearances for the League One side so far this season.
Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City are also said to be interested, with suggestions Yates is valued at £2m by the Seasiders.
But Critchley has sent a clear message to any potential suitors.
“It’s part and parcel, standard practice of football,” he told the Blackpool Gazette.
“If someone is doing well in a certain division, then it will attract interest from teams above you.
“That would be the same if it was a League Two team – League One teams would be looking at the best players in that division.
“Jerry is doing well, playing well and scoring goals, so I’d expect him to be attracting attention from teams above, that’s normal.
“In fact, I hope he does attract attention because that means he’s doing well for us.
“Jerry signed a long-term contract here, so he’s under contract with us. He’s with us and we’re not looking for him to move any time in the near future.”
After coming through the ranks at Rotherham United, the forward left the New York Stadium last summer, signing a three-year deal at Blackpool with the option to extend by a further 12 months.
Critchley added: “Jerry’s just a low-maintenance player, who loves to play football.
“He wants to play every single minute of every game. You know exactly what you’re going to get from him as well.
“Look at Oxford’s centre-halves and their defensive record and at Peterborough’s – I think he’s given some good players in this league a very, very hard time in the last couple of games.”
Forest boss Chris Hughton has already said he anticipates a “busy” summer as he looks to put his stamp on the squad.
And given his team’s goalscoring woes this term, strengthening his attacking resources will likely be on the agenda.
