Rams: We won't be "soft touch" Derby County have warned off other Barclays Premier League clubs eyeing up their talented young players.
Giles Barnes has repeatedly been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United but Rams chairman Peter Gadsby insisted Derby are not a selling club.
The exciting young midfielder is currently out with a foot injury but that has not stopped speculation that another top-flight club could move for the 19-year-old before the transfer window closes. Derby have already dismissed one bid from West Ham and Gadsby made it clear they would be watching the situation closely.
take advantage
"The situation with Giles Barnes is that he is a very important part of this club," Gadsby said. "My advice to him would be to stay here and get his head down and take advantage of playing under a manager in Billy Davies who has an excellent track record of bringing on young players.
"We had an approach that we didn't want and the offer was unacceptable. We will be monitoring the Giles Barnes situation closely.
"This club has a history of being pillaged but interested clubs would be mistaken to think that Derby County is a soft touch. We are not a club that needs to sell, we are interested in progressing."