Head coach Sabri Lamouchi has sent a defiant message over the future of in-demand Nottingham Forest ace Matty Cash.
The Nigel Doughty Academy product has caught the eye of a number of clubs thanks to some fine performances at right-back for the Reds this season.
Italian giants AC Milan are understood to have shown an interest, while Premier League duo West Ham United and Southampton have also been linked during the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a fresh long-term deal at the City Ground back in November - and Lamouchi says there is “no way” he will be allowed to leave this month.
Responding first, with tongue in cheek, in Italian, the Forest boss then added: “In English, it is ‘no way’. No way. No way.
“No way. Don’t talk about players going out. We want to talk about players who can come in.
“We are doing well.
“I am very close to my players, because we need to focus on the pitch.
“We need to focus on what they are doing now together. That is the most important thing.
“They are doing very well, and Cashy also.”
Cash has been a key figure as the Reds have climbed the Championship table under Lamouchi.
Having made the switch from midfield, he has grown into his role in the defence, making 30 appearances so far and scoring twice.
“From the beginning he has been an important player,” Lamouchi said.
“At the beginning it was a surprise, the first game, here against West Brom - the first goal from him.
“He is improving, but he still needs to learn and to work in this position.
“In this position he has a good future.”
The Frenchman is keen to stress though, that it is not just Cash who has impressed.
Although they were left somewhat frustrated after Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw at home to Reading, Forest nevertheless sit fourth in the table, four points off second-placed Leeds United.
They were agonisingly close to going third, had they taken all three points against the Royals.
Lewis Grabban broke the deadlock in a tight game in the 80th minute, only for Sam Baldock to equalise just a few minutes later in a dramatic finish.
“Not only him (Cash). They are all doing their job very well,” Lamouchi said.
“I could mention all of the players because I don’t want to forget one.
“They can be upset and disappointed with the draw, but at the same time, it is very positive because they know what they want - and they know they can do it.
“It is just football.
“But with 48 points from 28 games, we are there. We are there.”
