Leeds United boss Steve Evans is reluctant to lose Sol Bamba.
The Daily Star says Sunderland and Newcastle are keen on signing the 31-year-old defender this month and are prepared to pay £2million to land him.
But Evans admits Bamba remains a key part of his squad and insists he is unaware of any approach from the Tyne-Wear rivals.
"Sol's a solid member of our squad, he's our captain and he does that job with real professionalism," Evans told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"I'm not aware of any bids for Sol in this window but I can't stop speculation."