QPR eyeing Jackett?
Kenny Jackett and Zak Whitbread are going nowhere insist Millwall, who have rubbished rumours linking the club’s two most prized assets with big money moves in January.
Premiership new-boys West Brom were reportedly eyeing up a £1 million raid for 24-year-old central defender Whitbread, who has already been the subject of speculation from European heavyweights Everton.
In the following paragraph of the article printed in a national paper midweek, September's League One manager of the month Jackett was linked with a sensational move to replace under-fire QPR boss Iain Dowie at the world's richest club.
Chief Operating Officer Andy Ambler was quick to dispel both rumours as pure rubbish, telling the 'News': "I have read the news this morning and it is just paper talk.
"There has not been any approach for Zak from any club since I have been at the club and the rumours about Kenny as well are absolutely ridiculous."
Ambler is Chairman John Berylson's right-hand man and adds that while the speculation can be unsettling, it is a sign of the club's recent growth. Ambler said: "It is flattering that our players and our manager are being linked with other clubs. That is a sign that we are successful, as that doesn't happen when you are losing.
"The more successful this club gets, the more we expect to see these rumours coming out in the press, but we are focussed on getting Millwall into the Championship and that means keeping our best players."
When asked if £1 million would be enough to tempt the board into sacrificing Whitbread, Ambler responded: "I wouldn't put a price mark on any of our players - that is up to the manager to judge according to the market.
"Whilst we would not welcome approaches for our better players we will deal with them as they come in.
"The figure reported in the nationals has been plucked out of the air for their story."
But Ambler added: "Bidding wars are always a good thing. Transfers are the reality of football and in business when you have more than one potential buyer, the price does go up."
Assistant manager Joe Gallen, who has strong family links with QPR, having watched his brother Kevin play over 300 games for the West London club, laughed off the speculation, before adding: "Our message is clear. We have been doing well and don't want to lose any of our best players.
"Zak has a growing reputation in the game, with people coming to watch him at home games and away games, that we know about as well.
"He is a very good player and - along with a host of Millwall players - is capable at playing at a higher level.
"But our plan is to grow and succeed together, to get into the Championship as a club and allow players to achieve their goals from there." :laugh: :rant:
