Alex Neil has dampened speculation that Norwich striker Cameron Jerome is the subject of interest from Championship side Middlesbrough.
A national newspaper report claimed Boro were preparing an £8m bid for Jerome, but Neil says he is keen for Jerome to stay at Norwich.
"I'm surprised I haven't heard anything about it," Neil said ahead of the Premier League visit of Watford on Saturday.
"Cameron [Jerome] is one of our strikers and he has played quite a lot of games for us this season so he is an important part of the squad. To be honest it's the first I've heard about it.
"I'll deal with it in January but off the top of my head, Cameron is an important part of the squad and we're not looking to let our better players leave so that is the situation at the moment."
Neil also confirmed he had rejected a bid by Leeds to sign striker Kyle Lafferty on loan before the window closed, adding he would re-examine the situation again in January.
Norwich have no fresh injury concerns for the trip to Watford this weekend and are set to welcome back midfielder Alex Tettey who has missed the last two games due to a thigh injury picked up on international duty for Norway.
"Alex has been involved in training this week, so he should be fine." Neil said.
Matt Jarvis is the only first-team player who remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained against Manchester City at the end of October.
Neil is hopeful the winger will return before the New Year, saying: "I would like to think so. He's going to be on the grass this week coming, and it will really depend on how he responds to that.
"All the rest of the lads are fine and ready to go."