Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has dismissed reports that Saints are set to cash in by selling starlet Theo Walcott in January. Chelsea are reportedly ready to tender an �8m bid for the 16-year-old when the transfer window opens.
But Lowe told Saints website: "We've not had an approach, and we don't want to sell him.
"He's happy here. We have good people who can help him develop, and he's playing regularly."
Walcott is rated one of the hottest properties in English football and reports suggest that Chelsea are keen to make an early bid.
The Premiership champions are said not only to want to beat off competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, but also to capture a player whose value is likely to at least double as he progresses.
Reports claim that Chelsea feel they can tempt Saints with an �8m package, with �5m cash up front and a further �3m linked to future appearances.
Walcott has started just four Championship games for Saints, but has scored in three of them, in the process becoming the club's youngest scorer.
Lowe said: "I've spoken to his father and he's pleased with the way things are going."
Saints boss Harry Redknapp also dismissed the reports, saying: "It's the first I've heard of this.
"He wouldn't get into the Chelsea team at the moment and he's better off where he is because he's playing every week and learning the game.
"I'm sure the chairman wouldn't sell him. You have to keep your best players and he would not be for sale."
MMIX
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