According to the Doncaster Free Press, Doncaster Rovers have no intention of selling Ben Whiteman this month amid interest from Derby County, Barnsley and Blackburn Rovers.
The 23-year-old holding midfielder has been a standout in League One this season.
He has scored four goals for Doncaster, pushing Darren Moore’s side into the playoff picture as the Yorkshire club seek a return to the Championship.
Whiteman is regarded as one of their better players. The report claims Hull City saw a substantial seven-figure bid for him turned down last summer.
Now, fellow Championship clubs Derby, Blackburn and Barnsley have joined the race to sign him while Preston North End and Huddersfield Town have also been linked.
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The report adds that Doncaster expect interest to intensify before the window shuts.
Derby, however, are well-stocked in central midfield area. Max Bird and £10 million summer signing Krystian Bielik are the club’s long-term options there.
Duane Holmes, Graeme Shinnie and Tom Huddlestone also provide options there.
Barnsley, meanwhile, may see Whiteman as an ideal signing to help in their battle against relegation. The Tykes are down in 22nd, four points adrift of Stoke City.
The Yorkshire club will need to strengthen this month to harbour hopes of surviving.
Derby’s recent good run of form has pushed the Rams clear of the relegation zone. Phillip Cocu’s side are 13 points clear of Barnsley with a game in hand.
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