Thursday 7 November 2019 12:25, UK
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has reiterated that Joe Allen is not for sale.
The club has turned down an inquiry from Swansea for the Wales midfielder and as far as Hughes is concerned that is the end of the matter.
Speaking ahead of Stoke's opening game of the season against Everton on Saturday, he said: "My understanding is there was a tentative inquiry and that was it.
"We rebuffed that, didn't give it any encouragement whatsoever and that's where we are with that one, not for sale."
Stoke are preoccupied with trying to sign Porto centre-back Bruno Martins Indi before the weekend.
A £7m fee has been agreed for the Holland international, although he is yet to arrive for a medical and Hughes believes a deal will be done.
"My understanding is that we are very close", he said. "I think all being well he should be with us today at some point and hopefully we will get that done.
"It's been one that's frustrated a lot of people, not least myself, but it is likely to get done now unless there are any last minute hitches, but I don't anticipate we will have any so I think it is an important one for us to get over the line."
Despite those frustrations, Hughes is in confident mood ahead of the trip to Goodison Park.
Stoke will be up against Wayne Rooney, who is back at his old club, and Hughes believes the former Manchester United striler has made the right move.
He added: "With Rooney, the old adage is that you should never go back but I did it and it worked for me, the emotional tie will show he's going to be a success again."
