Phil Brown dismisses Hull City player exodus report
Brown has rejected three bids from Wolves for Stephen Hunt
Hull City manager Phil Brown insists he will not be forced in to selling his best players despite the club's financial problems.
Chairman Adam Pearson said Hull's wage bill must be cut by £6m but Brown, who turned down a £4m bid from Wolves for winger Stephen Hunt, remains resolute.
"We have stood in the way of that, saying he is not for sale," said Brown.
"I have had numerous phone calls from manager enquiring, 'are we selling?' - and the answer is no."
A report in the Daily Star claimed the Tigers are prepared to transfer-list their entire squad in the hope of clearing debts of £9m.
However, Brown is adamant that, while every player has a price, he will not be letting players leave on the cheap.
"As you always know - Cristiano Ronaldo was for sale at £80m, simple as that," he said.
Brown is anxious to keep hold of 29-year-old Hunt, who has been a resounding success since signing from Reading in August for an undisclosed fee.
"There are a number of clubs interested in Stephen Hunt," he added.
"Stephen is a good player at this level. I think everyone likes his attitude, his character and the way he plays the game."
The Tigers boss believes there may be an element of mischief-making about Wolves's persistent interest in Hunt, as the two clubs are due to meet in the Premier League on Saturday.
"I wouldn't have said Stephen is ever settled," said Brown, who added that the club have begun "tentative" talks with Hunt over a new contract.
"Even unsettled he will give his best and if someone has decided to unsettle him, unfairly, hopefully the opposition will get the consequences of him being unsettled."
After taking over at Hull in November Pearson said he was calling in auditors to try and sort out the club's finances, with their 2008 figures revealing a shortfall of about £16m.
And the former Derby County chairman also claimed there had "not been enough care and attention done to the transfers and the deals".
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