Sporting Lisbon coach Paulo Bento has refused to discuss transfer speculation surrounding his star midfielder Miguel Veloso.
The 21-year-old Portugal international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days.
And, if recent speculation is to be believed, Veloso - a star performer at last summer's UEFA Under-21 Championships - will soon be on his way to the Premier League.
However, the player's off-field moves are clearly a subject of irritation for Bento judging by the way he handled the debate.
Whereas Sir Alex Ferguson had earlier dismissed the rumours with a curt "we look at a lot of people", Bento reacted with much more aggression and at one stage looked ready to storm out of his pre-match media commitment.
"I don't want to talk about Miguel," he said.
"The more we talk about him, the less good it will be for him.
"Some of our good players have left us before, that is obvious. But if I was to take any notice of how many clubs are supposed to want him, there wouldn't be any more clubs left.
"I can't do anything about that. All I can do is pledge myself to helping Miguel on the pitch in the best way I can.
"I don't want to be negative. You have to think of Miguel's age and his overall welfare."
