Plymouth Argyle striker Luke Jephcott was never tempted to leave the League One outfit despite January interest from Nottingham Forest, Pilgrims boss Ryan Lowe has told the Plymouth Herald.
Even in this most cynical of eras, where money talks and loyalty is increasingly rare, Jephcott feels like a welcome throwback.
The third-tier’s hottest goalscorer rose through the ranks at Home Park and, after spending the past seven years in forest green, had no plans to walk away midway through a season that could still end in a play-off charge.
The Athletic reported Nottingham Forest were taking a look at the Wales U21 international.
But not only was Jephcott keen to stay, Plymouth were determined not to sell.
“I think we stamped (the interest) out early doors didn’t we? That’s what you do,” says Lowe, who led the South Coast club to promotion last season.
There was probably a few inquiries but I don’t think Luke wanted to know about it. I certainly didn’t.
“We were in agreement he definitely wasn’t going anywhere in January. That was it as far as I was concerned.
“We are not in a position where we need to sell so we were fine but, I keep saying it, Luke has still got a long way to go.
“Yeah, he might be the leading goalscorer (in League One) but he has still got more to offer and more to do.”
In his first ever third-tier campaign, Jephcott has scored 14 times in 21 games – 16 in all competitions.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
