Blackburn Rovers say striker Jordan Rhodes is not for sale, despite receiving two official bids from Hull City.
Tigers boss Steve Bruce told a press conference this morning he believed a deal for Rhodes could be struck, but Rovers responded by insisting they were not ready to lose "an icon" of their club.
In a statement released today, director of communications Alan Myers said: "We have recently received two official bids for the services of Jordan Rhodes from Hull City FC, both have been respectfully and categorically rejected.
"The owners of Blackburn Rovers wish to reassure fans that their intention is not to sell Jordan Rhodes as they, along with the manager and board of directors, feel that he is integral to our bid to gain promotion back to the Premier League.
"Despite the necessity to comply with and address the pending restrictions of FFP regulations (Financial Fair Play), the owners feel it would be a detrimental step to lose our top goalscorer and such an icon of this football club.
"We made our intentions clear this summer when we rewarded Jordan with a new and improved contract and we stand by that.
"We want to give Gary Bowyer and the team the best possible opportunity to get back to the top flight and Jordan has been and remains a significant part of that aim.
"It is also important to acknowledge that Jordan has acted, unsurprisingly, in a totally professional manner during this period of speculation."
City are believed to have offered Blackburn a choice of three players as makeweights in a £12m package deal. It remains to be seen whether, with the ball now back in City's court, they will attempt to force Rovers' hand with a third bid.
Rhodes was named in Blackburn's starting line-up for today's Championship match at home to Bournemouth, his 100th appearance for the club.
