Davies denies Etherington link

Derby boss Billy Davies has talked down rumours linking Matthew Etherington to the club.

Derby boss Billy Davies has rubbished reports linking the club with a move for West Ham winger Matthew Etherington.

Etherington has fallen out of favour under boss Alan Curbishley and had been linked with a move to Pride Park following the Rams' promotion to the top flight.

But Davies insists the rumours are incorrect and that Etherington is not on his hit list.

"I can categorically say that, in the last day or so, I've had no contact with Matthew Etherington or Matthew Etherington's agent," Davies told the Derby Telegraph.

"I've got no idea where this story has come from but there's been no discussion between myself and the player. I'm not sure how the papers have come up with it.

"I've got a few irons in my fire but until things are totally concluded, I'm not going to say much more.

"Negotiations take time.

 "You can't wrap up deals quickly unless you spend silly amounts of money."