Ian Holloway has described as 'nonsense' reports that Blackpool would be prepared to sell Matt Phillips to Reading for £1million.
Blackpool boss under no pressure to cash in on winger
Ian Holloway has described as 'nonsense' reports that Blackpool would be prepared to sell winger Matt Phillips to Reading for £1million in the summer.
Phillips has scored 11 goals in 33 appearances for Blackpool this season and has played a key role in the club's push for a play-off spot since returning from a loan spell at Sheffield United.
Speculation has recently linked the 21-year-old with a move to Reading, should Brian McDermott's side wrap up promotion to the Premier League.
However, Seasiders boss Holloway has rubbished the rumours and is adamant that the club are under no pressure to cash in on Phillips.
Valuable
Holloway told the
Blackpool Gazette: "Do you need to ask me anything given which paper it came from? They had me with my face contorted telling their readers we were going to be the worst team ever in the Premier League.
"I think they put £1million (on the story). What a load of nonsense. Do they think we are stupid?
"Do I have to spell it out? This kid is English - though he's choosing to play for Scotland - so he is going to be quite valuable, isn't he? He is an athlete, he is 6'1", still only 21, still learning and can score goals. What more do we have to say about him? I am delighted we've got him and at the minute he is ours.
"We are in a good situation with his contract. He is a fantastic lad. He is level-headed. He hasn't asked to leave. In the summer he might well have to and we will then make a decision. Hopefully it will suit the club and him. And if it doesn't, he won't be going anywhere.
"If Reading are up and they are going to start buying better players then good luck to them. But it hasn't even happened yet, so why do we need to even worry about it?"
