Cork City boss Alan Matthew has denied quotes attributed to him that he is ready cash in on striker Dave Mooney.

Mooney had trials with Blackburn Rovers last season and is rated highly by new Manchester City boss Mark Hughes.

"I felt [the article] completely and utterly distorted the picture," the Cork boss told Redfm. "It quoted me as saying we're open to offers for David Mooney. It was snippets of an interview I'd given, which was taken out of context and put together with stuff that was not quoted by me.

"Dave's on a three-year contract. There has been speculation hanging around him for the past 18 months because of his goal scoring exploits and the fact that he's a top player and that's something you have to deal with.

"Like any player at any club, if the right offer is on the table you would consider it but to suggest that we're open to offers for Dave Mooney is untrue and inaccurate."

When asked if it would take a 'very, very impressive offer' to tempt City to part with their hitman, Mathews replied: "That's absolutely true.

"Dave came to Cork when he could have gone to other clubs in Dublin or clubs in England but he came to test himself here.

"He's proven himself again and if he does leave this league it'll be to the right club at the right price where Dave will get the rewards that his ability deserves. Talk is cheap, but Dave is delivering - as he did last season."