Hartlepool boss slams 'absolute rubbish' rumours linking top scorer with Blackpool and seven other clubs

The former AFC Fylde manager, who is now in charge at Victoria Park, has criticised Toure's agent for publicly linking him with a move away on social media.

Toure’s representatives, RT Management & Consultancy, tweeted that Blackpool, Tranmere Rovers, Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers, St. Johnstone, Motherwell, Exeter City and Carlisle United have all targeted the Frenchman in the transfer window.

While Challinor confirmed Toure had been subject to ‘a derisory bid’, it didn’t come from any of the aforementioned clubs.

He told our sister paper the Hartlepool Mail: “Agents are a part of football and sometimes they do a lot of good for players but other times they really make things difficult for players and I don’t think linking him with all those clubs does Gime any favours.

“First and foremost, going off the information we have, none of those football clubs have phoned us or made a bid, so it becomes false.

“There’s been one bid earlier this month, which was a derisory bid.

“I won’t mention the club but that’s gone nowhere and aside from that there’s been no other phone calls or contact.

“Unless an extraordinary offer comes in and we can find a replacement then nothing will happen and I don’t envisage anything will happen.

“But everyone is for sale, including myself. If someone says we want your manager and we’ll give you x amount of money for him then the club has a decision to make.

“What would create an issue is if my agent spreads news that Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea want Dave Challinor as manager – what’s the point of that?

“It’s absolute rubbish and doesn’t do anyone any favours, not so much in terms of the dressing room but certainly with our supporters.

“Our supporters are really passionate about the club and want players here who want to be here.

“I don’t doubt that Gime wants to be here but his agent putting that puts him in a position where it’s sticking him on a pedestal to be shot at and I don’t think that’s fair on Gime and there’s no need for it.”