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Mark Robins has categorically ruled out any potential January transfer move for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Coventry City boss responded to speculation surrounding the striker following the team’s 0-0 draw with Coventry City on Thursday evening.

Gyokeres has been linked with several clubs going into the winter window on the basis of his excellent form in Robins’ team, including Wolves, Leeds United, Brentford, Southampton and Crystal Palace.

The forward has 12 league goals, the joint most in the Championship, and has performed well in the team for quite some time.

However, Robins has dismissed any speculation over the player’s future, insisting that he is not for sale.

The 53-year-old took a firm stance on the matter, also confirming conversations with Callum O’Hare over his future prior to him suffering an ACL injury in the draw against Cardiff.

“Viktor is going nowhere,” said Robins, via Coventry Live.

“I can tell you now he is going nowhere in January. Absolutely no chance. I’ve spoken to Vik.

“I spoke to Callum, bless him, prior to his injury and said you are not going anywhere.

“There’s not a chance of them going anywhere in January.

“It would be absolutely ridiculous and I’m adamant that is happening.

“The only way people can go is if you have got people lined up, replacements lined up that are better.

“It’s not going to happen.”

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Coventry ended the year having won just one of their last five league games, with the club having to handle a number of off-field issues.

O’Hare is expected to be out for up to nine months following his latest injury, which will come as a further blow to the team’s chances of contending for promotion in 2023.

The Verdict

Thursday night’s result has left Coventry in the bottom half of the Championship table going into the new year.

It’s been a difficult end to 2022 for the club for many reasons, but this firm stance on the future of Gyokeres is a positive.

The forward is now essential to this squad and finding a replacement won’t be an easy task.

Keeping him until at least the summer should help keep the club competitive in the second half of the season, even with the injury to O’Hare.