This is a transfer story that has been rumbling on since the summer.

With his contract slowly, but surely entering into it’s last six months, Siriki Dembele will become one of the hottest properties this January as teams attempt to court his signature.

But, according to a report in The Daily Record, Peterborough chairman Darragh McAnthony has warned that his star player is not for sale but rather strangely seemed to suggest that Dembele is not as important to the team as many may think, “He’s not in the shop window.

“We are not actively looking to sell him in January so any clubs who think it’s ‘bargain city’ as he only has six months left on his contract can think again.

“It wouldn’t be worth it to a club of our size with our owners.

“Josh King had six months left on his contract last January and he went for £10 million (Bournemouth to Everton).

“Now, if a club offered us a premium price of say £7 million with add ons we would have a decision to make, but if he did go we have plans B and C in place to cope.

“Opposition teams will all treat Siriki as one of our biggest dangers, but it’s not all about him.

“Our season doesn’t depend on his presence.”

It IS a rather strange comment to make.

What club is going to offer anywhere near the price McAnthony is looking for after that claim and what message does it send to the player?

With thirteen appearances and four goals to his name, Dembele is in decent form this season but after these comments by his chairman, it will be interesting to see of this affects the forward mans performances.

This article was originally posted here