Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has refuted claims that Arsenal target Youri Tielemans has rejected the offer of a new deal at the King Power Stadium.
The Belgian sees his current contract expire next summer, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano having recently suggested that he has made the decision to not extend his stay in the East Midlands.
As a result, a number of interested parties - including Arsenal - might well have been handed significant hope of a summer deal.
Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers who himself was linked with the managerial role at the Emirates Stadium has insisted that Tielemans has not indeed turned down the offer of a new deal with Leicester.
Speaking after his side’s 2-2 draw with West Ham United on Sunday, he said: "He hasn't declined. For me his position is exactly the same as what it was.
"He's a fantastic player and there's been no movement whatsoever, he's a player who has continued to work and is working well.
“Till the last day he's here whether that’s at the end of the contract or summer or beyond that, he will always give his best because he's a top professional and he showed his commitment today. There's interest trying to be generated by other people."
Tielemans was once again a star performer for Leicester at the weekend as he netted from the penalty spot and turned in an impressive second-half performance against the Hammers.
The Foxes will of course be aiming to retain his services, but Rodgers’ stance is exactly the same to the one he fronted way back in October when original doubts over the Belgian’s future came to the fore.
He said: "There's reports, but there's no turning down.
"I think there's just dialogue between the club and Youri's people. I think the club are waiting to hear back. But that's something that's out of my control. What I can control is his mentality, his commitment to the team, and you cannot question that."
The 24-year-old is currently in the midst of another productive season for Leicester having netted seven goals and provided three assists in all competitions.
