PLAIN-speaking Ayr United boss Ian McCall insists none of his star players will be leaving Somerset Park during the January transfer window.

The Somerset Park gaffer moved to make a statement to supporters in the wake of speculation linking star striker Lawrence Shankland to Cardiff City, Rangers and Celtic and Michael Rose to English League One team Sunderland with some bids made.

He said today: "Having recently received yet another offer for one of our players, which at best can be described as derisory, I wish to let you all know the following facts. There has been a number of bids for our players however no player will be leaving Somerset Park during this window. The only type of deal acceptable to our club would involve an immediate loan back to Ayr United.

"There may be a number of our players being offered pre-contracts by other clubs. I have absolutely no issue with this and I am 100% certain that any player who takes this option will continue to give everything to Ayr United. They will also be informed that pre contracts in Scotland are not recognised by the SFA and are therefore worthless.

"Though I will never give up hope of keeping our squad together at the end of the season I recognise that there will be departures. Any player who leaves will go with the very best wishes of everyone connected to Ayr United.

"Wherever we finish in the Championship our supporters deserve to watch this special group of boys till the end of the season. Hopefully this will put an end to any speculation through various media outlets and allow us to concentrate on football matches."

United are also rumoured to be interested in Partick Thistle midfielder Chris Erskine, who began his career in Ayrshire with Kilbirnie Ladeside.

But McCall said: "Chris Erskine is a Partick Thistle player."