Boss Roy Keane has advised Gareth McAuley and the rest of his squad to get their heads down and work hard if they want to remain in his squad. Earlier this week, the Northern Irishman was quoted as saying that his agent had been told he could find another club.
Keane said: "If an offer comes in for any our players that we think is acceptable, then we’ll consider it. My advice to Gareth and any of the players is keep your head down and work hard.
"Every manager wheels and deals. Do you think Manchester United wanted to sell Ronaldo in the summer? Of course they didn't.
The Town manager says he is less than impressed with the influence agents have on players: "They speak to their agents too often, their agents run their lives. I speak to Gareth, I spoke to him on Monday or Tuesday and he’s fine, it’s these agents.
"These agents are on the phone all the time, I spoke to an agent about one of my players yesterday.
"They don’t like their players staying at clubs too long, they want them to move on.”
Keane feels there’s no reason why players shouldn't spend longer spells with one team: "There’s nothing wrong with doing well and staying at your own club. Good players do that, staying maybe 10, 11 years at a club. There’s no money in moving, I suppose."
The Blues boss outlined what his players have to do to remain in his plans: "Any player that comes into the club every single day, is on time and trains properly, has an opportunity to play.”