Derby boss Paul Jewell has rejected claims he has agreed to sell Giles Barnes to West Ham for £5m in January.
Barnes, 19, was linked with a move to Upton Park in the summer, with reports a £3.5m offer was turned down.
Jewell said: "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."
"Giles Barnes has potential - bags of it, but he is only 19 and has a lot of improving to do"
Jewell laughed off suggestions the deal was done and would simply be rubber-stamped when the January transfer window opens.
He said: "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."
606: DEBATE
Barnes further raised his profile on Sunday with a stunning goal to open the scoring in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle.
But Jewell has again reiterated Barnes is far from the complete player, adding: "He scored a great goal at Newcastle, and I hope he scores a few more goals for us.
"But he arguably cost us one as well by trying to do a fancy trick in the box when maybe a cross would have been more beneficial to the team.
"I know there's been a lot of talk about Giles Barnes, but that's where he has to learn. He has a long, long way to go.
"He has potential - bags of it, but he is only 19 and has a lot of improving to do, although I am pleased with the effort he is putting in."
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