FOREST GREEN ROVERS chairman Dale Vince says talk of winger Elliott Frear being on the verge of leaving the club is “pure fiction”.
Former England C international Frear was a key part of the Forest Green side that finished second in the National League last season before they lost to Grimsby Town in the promotion final at Wembley.
Widely regarded as one of the best attacking players outside the Football League, local media reported Frear was close to joining last season’s National League champions Cheltenham Town.
Tranmere Rovers were also linked with a move for the 25-year-old but Forest Green boss Mark Cooper scoffed at talk his winger would be heading for the exit door.
Vince has echoed Cooper’s words, telling Rovers’ website: “Forest Green have had no contact from either club, let alone any transfer offers or negotiations. The stories are pure fiction.
“We’re not sure why Cheltenham Town would claim to have been close to a deal for Elliott, when they haven’t even spoken to us, it’s bizarre – perhaps it’s a distraction from their own season, being currently without a league win.
“It’s the same with Tranmere, though at least they don’t claim to have been in a negotiation – we’ve had no approach from them at all.”