That’s the message from boss Mark Hughes who revealed that he has had summer talks with the club captain and longest serving player.
Both Sunderland and Spurs are said to be tracking the Republic of Ireland stalwart who has clocked up more than 330 league and cup starts for the Blues.
But Hughes is adamant that no firm bids have been received and on the eve of the club’s tour to South Africa reminded speculators that he is not in the habit of letting players leave without good reason.
“There has been interest in Richard which is to be expected because he is a good player,” admitted the manager.
“I have spoken to Richard already. We have no firm offers for him and it is not something on which we are going to dwell.
“We are looking to strengthen all areas and people make assumptions that maybe players that we are after will have an effect on those who are already here. What we are looking at is to make sure the team and the squad is stronger than it was last season.
“I have always said I will not let good players go unless we are in a position to make ourselves stronger.”
While the club remains active in the transfer market, the boss will not put any figures on how many players he wants to bring in before the window closes at the end of next month.
“In terms of incomings we are in the market for more players but I will not put a number on how many might come in because sometimes you find in the windows that something presents itself from left field and is a deal you might consider,” he explained.
“Then there is the possibility that you lose someone through injury and that has to be addressed so you can never say that we are going for two players or five players it is not as easy to predict as that.
“What has to be correct when we have finished is the balance of the squad.”
