Derby manager Paul Jewell has dismissed reports linking Midlands rivals Coventry and Leicester with moves for veteran defender Darren Moore.National newspapers claimed that the Championship clubs were embroiled in a head-to-head battle to sign the giant 33-year-old centre-half on a free transfer.

But Jewell has denied all knowledge of the stories and insisted that Moore certainly would not be leaving Pride Park without a transfer fee.

"I was surprised to hear that this morning, and even more surprised to hear he was going on a free transfer," said Jewell.

"Darren Moore is a Derby County player. I haven't had any calls about him and I don't know where that story has come from.

"What I will say is that, just like everybody else, Darren Moore has his price but free certainly isn't his price."

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