Tuesday 24 April 2018 18:28, UK
New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur expects Odell Beckham to be part of his team for next season.
The wide receiver was reportedly being shopped in trade talks last month, although Giants owner John Mara tried to play down those reports without ruling a deal out entirely.
But Shurmur said on Tuesday he had been in regular contact with the talented pass-catcher, whose fourth season in the NFL was wrecked by a serious ankle injury which limited him to four games.
Beckham Jr caught 35 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Giants, and managed three more in his four games in 2017 before going down with a fractured ankle.
Shurmur is preparing for his first season in charge of the Giants and he said: "We constantly communicate, we had a great conversation yesterday [Monday].
"He came in and we sat down as we were getting ready for this minicamp so we could talk about what we were trying to get accomplished.
"We've spoken on the phone, we text, it's just like any relationship. We're very honest and open with one another and we communicate frequently.
"He's an excellent player, he's part of our team and he's a very valued member of our team. Everybody that's out here, I'm planning on them being here."
