Tuesday 26 August 2014 21:42, UK
Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce says Jack Hobbs 'is not going anywhere' amid talk of interest from Reading.
Forest fended off competition from their Sky Bet Championship rivals to land Hobbs on a permanent basis from Hull City in January.
The commanding centre-half had been on loan at the City Ground prior to that agreement, but is now tied to a four-and-a-half-year contract.
He is an outstanding footballer and a proper man within the group. It is impossible that we will get rid of Jack.
Forest have no intention of allowing that deal to be broken, with Pearce warning those considering an approach before the summer transfer window closes that they will be wasting their time.
He said in the Nottingham Post: “There has been no bid made. He is not going anywhere.
“He is an outstanding footballer and a proper man within the group. It is impossible that we will get rid of Jack.”
While ruling out one departure, Pearce is also expecting things to be quiet on the arrivals front.
He is happy with the squad he has been able to assemble, which currently sits top of the Sky Bet Championship standings, and says he will only make further moves if ‘the right players come up’.
Pearce added: “I can’t see too much happening, but I never say never, if the right opportunity comes up to improve our squad.
“The one thing we have got is another two or three games to assess what we have got.
“With the injuries through pre-season and some signings coming in late, we have not had the chance to have a good look at everyone.
“Every match is telling me a story about the players and where the team might have weaknesses in the long term.
“And, if the right players come up, I am sure the chairman will support me, when I make recommendations.”
