Sporting Lisbon insist midfield pair Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho are not for sale.

Reports had suggested that Everton were closing in on a deal for playmaker Moutinho, while Manchester United have been long-term admirers of holding midfielder Veloso.

However, the Premier League duo have been made aware that they would be wasting their time should they decide to make a move for the Portugal internationals.

"The squad is closed for this season and we have received no offers for Joao Moutinho or Miguel Veloso," Sporting president Soares Franco told radio station RTP.

"The two players are in our squad and we have no need to sell as we are financially secure.

"We have secured European football again for next year so have benefited from that.

"The squad we have at the moment is preparing to mount a title bid next season."