WEST BROM Albion have slapped a "not for sale" tag on Neil Clement's head after rejecting an inquiry from Blackburn.
And his manger Gary Megson has warned the 23-year-old wingback, who has yet to sign a new Hawthorns deal, he needs to shape up following a series of below par displays.
Baggies chief executive John Wile today confirmed Albion had been approached by Rovers about Clement but insisted they had been given short shrift.
"I had a phone call from Blackburn's chief executive, John Williams, who just asked us what the position was with Neil," said Wile.
"He was told the player is under a three-year contract and that he is not for sale - end of conversation.
"We have received no offer whatsoever for Neil and anybody else who inquires about him will be told exactly the same."
Albion are willing to bring Clement into line with the club's top earners and offered the former Chelsea reserve a vastly improved four-year pay deal last month.
But, for now, the contract remains unsigned and Rovers are likely to pursue their interest.
Megson has revealed he has had private words with his prize asset in the past couple of days in a bid to get him firing on all cylinders again.
"Neil hasn't reached the very high standards he has set in the last few games," he said.
"To get to where he wants to be - either with us or by moving on to a bigger and better club which will be difficult in the short term because he is not for sale - he's got to keep playing well.
"I've spoken to Neil and told him that, like everyone else here, he's got to attain certain levels."
"Although he hasn't signed this new contract, he is still here for two and a half years and will be treated like all the other players."
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