Hatters rebuff offers for duo

Luton have confirmed they have rejected all offers for Rowan Vine and Leon Barnett.

Following the sale of Carlos Edwards to Sunderland, The Hatters are hoping to avoid any further sales and have now knocked back bids for two of their star performers.

Birmingham City were believed to be leading the race for Hatters top scorer Vine ahead of local rivals West Brom, with a reputed £2.25million bid in the pipeline, whilst Cardiff have already seen an initial approach rebuffed.

Now the Bedfordshire side have signalled their intent to keep hold of the former Portsmouth man by confirming that all offers have so far been met with a firm 'no'.

Moreover, Luton have also confirmed that they have resisted any attempts for rival clubs to prise highly-rated young defender Leon Barnett from Kenilworth Road, with West Brom again reportedly in the frame for the 21-year-old ever-present.

"Luton Town can confirm that they have received offers for striker Rowan Vine and defender Leon Barnett since the transfer window opened," read a statement on the club's official website.

"However the club have declined all offers concerning these two players."

Ahmet Brkovic and Steve Robinson have signed new deals at Kenilworth Road in January, but assistant Brian Stein is keen to see both Dean Morgan and Markus Heikkinen follow suit before their contracts expire in the summer.

"It should have been done a long time ago, but we need to sort out their futures," said Stein.

"Players need a bit of security under these circumstances."

Meanwhile, young right-back Keith Keane is pondering whether to leave Kenilworth Road on loan after starting just four matches under Mike Newell this season.

"I have been trying to fight for my place for a long while and it may be the time to have a talk and see whether it is time to go out on loan," said the Republic of Ireland youth international.

"Maybe I can get some games and a bit more experience, and then come back and try to get in the Luton team again."