Fulham may have issued a hands off warning on Collins John. The Cottagers released a statement in response to reports they had accepted a £3m approach from Birmingham for Dutch striker John.
Speculation over John's impending departure for St Andrews has been vigorously denied with Fulham insisting he remains a key part of the club's plans.
The statement read: "Following recent speculation regarding Collins John, the club would like to confirm that they have not accepted an offer for the transfer.
"Collins remains a Fulham player and is currently involved in pre-season training in Devon, eager to fight for his starting position in the team's line-up."
Suggestions that John might be on his way out of Craven Cottage came as something of a surprise given his vast potential.
The 20-year-old, capped once by Holland, was Fulham's top scorer last season with 12 goals and boss Chris Coleman had insisted there would be little point in selling him.
Although frustrated with John's attitude at times last season, blasting his reluctance to play in wide positions when required, Coleman saw him as a key part of the club's future.
And today's statement confirmed Fulham have no intention of letting the gifted marksman, signed from Dutch club FC Twente in January 2004, leave.