Ross County have not received any approach for defender Jason Naismith despite reported interest from English sides Hull City and Shrewsbury Town.
Reports earlier this week suggested Championship side Hull and the League One Shrews had both made enquired to County about Naismith, who signed a contract until 2020 when he joined the Staggies from St Mirren 12 months ago.
County manager Owen Coyle says the reported contact came as news to him, insisting no side has yet expressed an interest in 23-year-old Naismith.
Coyle said: “At this moment in time, categorically, there has been not one enquiry about Jason Naismith.
“I read it on Wednesday night and whether it is Tom, Dick or Harry – whoever the sources are – I’ve got to say I read it with surprise myself.
“I’ve spoken to Jason and told him if anybody comes in with regards to any of our players, the players will be first to know because of the way we operate. We don’t hide anything from them.
“Categorically, I haven’t had one phone call regarding Jason Naismith.”
Coyle has been impressed by the performances of Naismith, who has made 43 appearances since joining from the Buddies last year.
Although Coyle reckons interest will come Naismith’s way, the Staggies manager feels Victoria Park is the best place for the right back to develop, adding: “If people contact us, it won’t surprise me. I said from day one I really liked the way he had been going about his business. There’s more to come from him and I think that’s what he has to understand.
“There was a spell when he was playing out of his skin and that’s what, individually and collectively, we have to get back to.
“If he does that, I think he will have a whole range of suitors and admirers. But you only get that by playing really well out on the field for Ross County.
“If he does, we would have no problem with it because it would mean he had done very well for the football club.
“I think he has the scope to improve and continue to get better, but he has a job to do here at Ross County – and that continues to be the case.”
One player who could leave Dingwall this month is Danish forward Thomas Mikkelsen, who is attracting loan interest from Championship clubs.
Mikkelsen has struggled to force his way into Coyle’s side having joined from OB in the summer, following a loan spell with Dundee United last season.
The attacker has netted just twice, with 11 of his 14 Staggies appearances coming from the bench, and Coyle added: “Three of the top Championship clubs have asked about Thomas on loan. That’s the only enquiries we’ve had this week.”
