Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been playing down reports that Neal Maupay could be on his way to Sheffield United.
Maupay and Said Benrahma being missing from the squad for Friday’s friendly at AFC Wimbledon increased speculation that they could be set for a move.
But Frank has insisted that both players have been recovering from injury – and that no approach has been made from any club.
Reports have suggested that Sheffield United are closing in on a deal to sign striker Maupay.
But Frank told West London Sport that was not the reason for his omission for the Wimbledon game.
Frank said: “Said is still recovering from his injury in the Spring, while Neal had just a slight overload.”
Frank is keen for both players to remain at Griffin Park, where they have made a huge impact.
“As a coach you want to keep your best players – always – so yes I want to keep him,” Frank said.
“Approaches? No. That’s the good thing about the structure of the club. I can leave that to (co-directors of football) Rasmus (Ankersen), Phil (Giles) and (club owner) Matthew (Benham). I can have my wishes.
“I think everybody that watched us last year saw some amazing bits of football and when you have young interesting players, it’s natural other clubs are interested in them.
“But we also know that we want to progress, and push. Because of that we want to keep our best players and get some new ones in like Christian (Norgaard) and Ethan (Pinnock).”