Derby boss Paul Jewell has ridiculed claims the Rams have agreed to sell teenage star Giles Barnes to West Ham for £5million in January.
Barnes was linked with a move to the Hammers over the summer, with an apparent £3.5million offer rejected at the time.
Now it has been suggested boss Alan Curbishley has finally landed the 19-year-old, who will move to Upton Park when the transfer window opens next week.
When asked about the Barnes deal, Jewell replied: "Very nice. It's a nice Christmas present - I just wish I knew about it.
"Maybe Santa Claus will drop the cheque down the chimney!
"But I know nothing about it. What I do know for a fact is that I have not had any contact with any club about Giles Barnes.
"Until the phone rings or somebody tells me differently, then I can't say any more about it."