NOTTINGHAM Forest will rebuff any attempt to poach any of their best young talent – and will reject the bid from QPR for Jamaal Lascelles.
That was the message today from Stuart Pearce, who says he has the backing of owner Fawaz Al Hasawi, when it comes to holding on to the Reds' prize assets.
The new manager says he plans to build a stronger side, rather than dismantle the squad.
And he believes the best place for Lascelles in particular to develop as a player is at the City Ground.
"QPR have let it out that they have put money on the table for him," said Pearce. "But I have come to build this club, not to dismantle it.
"The only way we will accept an offer for our best young players is if it is a sensational offer that ends up enabling me to strengthen the team.
"I have to know that, at the end of any negotiation, I am stronger than I was at the outset.
"But we would not take money for our best young players.
"The chairman has enough financial clout to trust my judgement on that."
QPR are thought to have offered as much as £4m for the 20-year-old defender.
But Pearce says the London club have not even given Forest a decision to make.
When asked if Harry Redknapp's newly promoted club are close to the kind of money Forest would demand for the player, Pearce responded: "No, no, they are not.
"Your best young players are a real commodity in this day and age.
"I think I can improve the young man, with the staff here.
"I think we can make him a better footballer, by staying at this club."
Newcastle and Spurs are also thought to be monitoring Lascelles' position at Forest, while Everton and Arsenal have shown an interest in the past.
But it is clear that Pearce is determined to hold on to one of Forest's brightest young talents.
