A Championship manager has dismissed reports suggesting three clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, had made bids for former Celtic talent Karamoko Dembele, at least on his club’s part.

As the transfer window heats up, clubs are scrambling to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. Sheffield Wednesday has been particularly active, bringing in several new players. Earlier this week, former journalist reports linked them with a move for Dembele, who spent last season on loan at Blackpool and is currently with Brest.

The French club has reportedly made Dembele available for transfer, with Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth, and Derby County all supposedly interested. While The Star reported earlier this summer that Dembele was on Wednesday’s radar, there has been no confirmation of a bid.

Since then, Wednesday has bolstered their attack by signing Jamal Lowe, Olaf Kobacki, and Charlie McNeill, and re-signing Josh Windass. They are also pursuing Ike Ugbo and considering further additions.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has denied any bid for Dembele, telling The News: “There’s nothing in that at the moment, that’s another one there’s no preparing or readying a bid!” This statement indicates that at least one of the three clubs is not actively pursuing the former Celtic wonderkid.