Dembele is staying here with us - Fry

PETERBOROUGH United have denied reports that Brentford are leading the way for Siriki Dembele as rumours continue over the former Grimsby Town forward’s future.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Peterborough during the January transfer window, with a number of Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premiership clubs said to be interested.

Dembele has reportedly caught the eye of Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United, Rangers and Celtic with his performances since joining the Posh from the Mariners in 2018. The winger handed in an official transfer request last week as he tries to force through a move, although Peterborough are holding firm on their valuation of £2million, with chairman Darragh MacAnthony stating he will cost even more than that.

According to a report in the Sun, Brentford were touted as the frontrunners to land Dembele, with former Peterborough striker Ivan Toney apparently recommending his former team-mate to the Bees. Posh director Barry Fry though has denied the rumours, and insists none of the club’s players are for sale.

Fry said: “We heard a rumour Brentford were interested in Siriki weeks ago so we checked it out and they denied it.

“I dare say Ivan did recommend him, but Brentford have not made contact and we don’t expect them to.

“Our line remains the same. We are not interested in losing our best players in January.” Should Dembele secure a move away from Peteborough this month, the Mariners would be in line for a big pay day. Town chairman Philip Day revealed in November that the club hold a 25 per cent selling-on clause following the forward’s move from Blundell Park.

Dembele has one year remaining on his contract at London Road, with the Posh reportedly willing to offer him a lucrative contract to stay at the club should they win promotion to the Championship this season.