Conor Downey was the subject of a bid from Ballymena

Linfield have turned down a written offer from Ballymena United for midfielder Conor Downey, the bid thought to have been around �10,000.

"The offer has been rejected by the club and Conor has indicated that he does not want to join Ballymena," said Blues manager David Jeffrey.

"That's the scenario closed and we now have to find out what Cliftonville want to do or do not want to do.

"At this moment in time Conor is very much a Linfield player," added Jeffrey.

"I think the quality and the standard of his performances have shown his level of commitment.

"He has been excellent in our pre-season games and he was superb against Dinamo Zagreb."

Jeffrey also told the Linfield FC website that the Irish League champions had tabled a bid for Ballymena striker Kevin Kelbie.

"We're not wanting to talk about the amount of the bid but certainly I've no doubt that it's a substantial offer for Kelbie. Obviously, Ballymena will have to consider our offer," he said.

Meanwhile United skipper Albert Watson appears set to stay at Ballymena after talks with manager Roy Walker, having previously handed in a written transfer request.