Phil Brown says he is surprised by reports claiming Inigo Idiakez wants a transfer.
Phil Brown says he is surprised by reports claiming Inigo Idiakez wants a transfer.
The Derby County midfielder is reputedly a target of recently installed Southampton boss George Burley, while Wolves and Sunderland have also been credited with an interest.
But Brown says that he has heard nothing of Idiakez's supposed desire to leave Pride Park, telling the Derby Evening Telegraph: "That's news to me. I am not aware of Inigo being unhappy here - he is one of the highest paid players at the club and our best player.
"There is bound to be speculation about our better players at times like this."
Meanwhile, the Derby boss refused to be drawn on speculation over striker Paul Peschisolido's future with the club.
"He has a contract to the end of the season and we will assess that as the season goes on," he said after the Canadian's two-goal salvo against Burnley had fired County into the FA Cup fourth round.
"Paul has been a victim of the [4-5-1] system but it's not about the system, it's about players."
