Tuesday 18 November 2014 11:30, UK
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has ruled out selling Marko Arnautovic in January amid reports of interest from Feyenoord in the winger.
Arnautovic has started only three Premier League games for the Potters this season and has held talks with boss Mark Hughes over his lack of first-team chances.
Feyenoord, managed by Arnautovic's one-time FC Twente boss Fred Rutten, reportedly watched the 25-year-old turn out for Austria in their 1-0 European Qualifiers victory over Russia on Saturday, but Coates has dismissed the prospect of a January move.
He told The Sentinel: "He has been an important player for us and remains so.
"I don't imagine we would even think about releasing him, even if there was an offer in January.
"Bear in mind we have got the FA Cup to come then and there is also the chance of injuries.
"You have to have enough players, particularly at that time of year, and Marko remains a fine player in whom we still have very high hopes.
"When he has come in he has done well this season and we have all seen what a wonderful player he can be."
Arnautovic is likely to find himself on the bench again when Stoke resume Premier League action against Burnley at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, with Victor Moses and Jon Walters likely to keep their places out wide following the win at Tottenham last time out.