AFC Telford United chairman Lee Carter today dismissed reports that Fleetwood Town have bid for star asset Lee Vaughan – and blasted attempts to unsettle the player.

Sources in Lancashire had linked the 23-year-old defender with the Blue Square North’s richest club, who also signed Telford defender Gavin Cowan last week.

Right-back Vaughan had to sit out this Telford’s clash away at high-flying Southport today as he served the second of a two-match ban for accumulating 10 yellow cards.

But he remains one of the club’s most consistent players, and his form this season has also won him an England C cap.

His contract expires in the summer, and the Telford chairman admits he believes there are other clubs making illicit moves to try and tempt the defender away.

The rumours couldn’t emerge at a worse time for the Bucks, a series of disappointing performances having seen them fall off the play-off pace.

“There’s been no bid whatsoever for Lee Vaughan,” said Carter.

“We’ve received no contact at all from Fleetwood, and I was sat 10 seats away from their chief executive Steve Curwood at the Conference EGM on Thursday.

“We are aware that there are people out there trying to unsettle him and if we can 100 per cent categorically prove that – at the moment we are at 99 per cent – then we will deal with it in the appropriate way.

“What I can say beyond doubt, is that Lee Vaughan is not for sale.

“He is a valued member of our team and a player who consistently shows passion and heart.”

Meanwhile, Carter also gave a big thumbs up to a proposal at the Conference’s EGM that clubs failing to settle invoices for loan players within seven days should be slapped with a transfer embargo.

The change in the rules could be brought in from next season, and Carter added: “It makes sense.

“We’re still waiting for money from Worcester for Danny Carey-Bertram’s loan – and it’s not right.”

By CHRIS HUDSON