TONY Mowbray revealed there has been no further bid from Sheffield United for Darragh Lenihan, and branded reports to that extent as ‘mischief making’.

Rovers rejected two bids from the Blades for Lenihan last month, and there were widespread reports this week that they had rejected a third offer for the Irishman.

But Mowbray, who has taken a firm stance throughout the summer that the 23-year-old isn’t for sale, said that was not the case.

The new League One season starts this weekend, and although the transfer window doesn’t close until August 31, Mowbray isn’t concerned about the speculation affecting one of his key men.

“It doesn’t worry me at all – it is how Darragh reacts to it,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I would have to say the stuff I saw the other day was total untruth.

“There hasn’t been another bid, it just seems to me there was another bit of mischief making, trying to unsettle the player.

“Darragh knows my thoughts, he knows my valuation, what I think of him as a footballer.

“I think he is a fantastic kid, a fantastic footballer, has a big future in front of him.

“I have talked to him about the responsibility, whether he feels it was his fault or not, he played a part, as I did, last year in this club’s relegation, and we should all feel that we need to play our part in getting this club to where, at least in the short-term, it should be, and beyond.

“They all know that.

“Darragh is a good lad, a good kid, and moving forward I’m sure that we won’t have any problems.  We will be fine.”

Lenihan made 44 appearances for Rovers last season as they were relegated from the Championship.

He has played 71 times in all for Rovers since his debut in April 2015, and signed a new long-term deal at the club last year which runs until 2019.

Championship newcomers Sheffield United are keen on adding Lenihan, but Mowbray insists Lenihan is not for sale.

He added: “That won’t happen, I have been pretty clear from the start.

“I don’t want to get in to any war of words, it’s just a bit frustrating that things have come out, from very obvious angles, but the message has always been loud and clear.

“It is a big season for Darragh, he’s a young guy and hopefully he can have a fantastic season and help this club achieve our aims and let’s see what the future brings for us all.

“I’m his manager, I talk to him every day and I don’t see there’s any issue.

“He’s focussed on his football and looking forward to getting started.”