Scarborough boss Neil Thompson has dismissed as speculation rumours linking three of his star players with moves to big English clubs.

Youngster David Pounder, defender Paul Ellender and Frenchman Romain Faure have reportedly attracted the attentions of Ipswich Town, Wimbledon and Blackburn Rovers, respectively.

However, while Thompson said that neither the Dons nor their First Division rivals, Rovers, have been in contact with the McCain Stadium, Premiership high-riders Ipswich have indeed asked about 20-year-old Pounder, with a possible trial at Portman Road being mooted.

"There has been interest in David from Ipswich, but that's as far as it goes at the moment," said Thompson.

"In the future he might go down for a trial but it's not happening now. At the moment, he has got to concentrate on his football with us."

As regards centre-back Ellender, who has reportedly impressed League club scouts all season, and 19-year-old sweeper Faure, Thompson said: "I've heard there might be people watching them but I've had no contact with anyone.

"I've had a couple of people talk about them, but as regards offers, speculation is just speculation."

Boro could demand money for all three players at present, with Pounder having another two years to run on his contract while Ellender has another season. The club are also hoping to extend Faure's contract when it runs out this summer.

"Everyone has a price, however important they are to the team," said Thompson, who was open to offers but not actively looking to off-load any of the trio.

Updated: 11:58 Wednesday, January 24, 2001