Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has warned the club will not let Troy Deeney leave on the cheap as Peterborough ruled themselves out of a move for the star striker.

The 21-year-old has eight goals for the Saddlers this season, sparking rumours of interest from Championship strugglers Posh.

But director of football Barry Fry told the Express & Star the reports were wide of the mark.

He said: “I deal with transfers, the manager identifies who he wants and Troy is not one of them.”

Deeney only penned a new two-year deal in September and Hutchings insists, should any club make a bid, the Saddlers will fight to keep him.

The manager said: “Troy will cost them a lot of money. He’s contracted to this football club and he’s got another year after this season, which he wanted to sign.

“He’s got to make sure he keeps level headed. As soon as he stops doing it he won’t be in Walsall’s side, let alone anyone else’s.”

But after netting twice in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Leyton Orient to take his tally to 18 in 47 games under Hutchings, the boss concedes Deeney will attract attention.

He said: “It’s one hell of a stat and it just goes to show in a year how well he’s done. You might hear people say, ‘he’s worth a look at’ and anyone who scores goals is always worth a look.

“It’s very pleasing because it benefits us as a football club and him as a person and player. I’m pleased with his form but he knows he’s got to continue in the same vein.”

The Saddlers go to Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day and Hutchings knows Deeney will be targeted by defenders because of his form.

He said: “Other teams will be looking for him and know he’s a major danger. He’s got a good attention and he wants to get better which is the most important thing. That’s part and parcel of finding a level in the game, how you deal with things.

“People might man mark him and give him a little bit more of a harder dig than usual to see what he’s made of

“He did well last season and people will be looking to see how he does.”