As Nottingham Forest prepare an improved bid for James Justin, Luton say that the defender is not for sale.
Luton Town have once again reiterated that James Justin is not for sale amid speculation of an improved bid from Nottingham Forest for the right-back, reports the Nottingham Post.
The Reds have already had a £1m offer for Justin rejected by the Hatters, but were expected to come back with a higher amount as they continue their pursuit.
Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton
However, in an effort to ward off interest from Forest – and any other potentially interested parties – manager Nathan Jones has issued a hands-off warning.
“Trust me, it isn’t the first one we’ve turned down,” Jones told the Bedfordshire On Sunday. “But we at Luton Town believe a minimum of another year here with us will only enhance his career, will only take him forward at the rate he needs to go and will not stunt his development in any way,
“The people in and around James believe that as well, so that’s a bonus. We have a certain thing here – we spoke to his father, spoke to his representatives, and spoke to James himself.
“Obviously we’re not a selling club and the board have been very strong once again. We don’t buckle at bids.”
Whether this stunts the attempts from Forest to sign Justin remains to be seen, but it is clear the 19-year-old is highly rated at Kenilworth Road.
That should come as little surprise really, with the defender having come through the youth academy to break into the first team, making his Luton debut on the final day of the 2015/16 season.
Last term Justin was a key figure for Jones’ men, making 39 appearances in all competitions and showing his versatility by also playing at left-back, in central defence and out wide in midfield.
Nathan Jones celebrates
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