Thaksin Shinawatra has strenuously denied reports that he has put Manchester City's entire first team squad up for sale.

Friday's Daily Express sensationally claimed that the former Thai Prime Minster had become so disillusioned with City's performances in the second half of the season that he was willing to listen to offers for any players.

It is already expected that manager Sven Goran Eriksson will leave Eastlands, despite dining with Shinawatra and the playing staff in Bangkok last weekend, and Friday's report speculated that established names such as Richard Dunne, Micah Richards and Michael Johnson could also join a City exodus.

Shinawatra has wasted no time in rubbishing the claims though, with the owner underlining he is happy with how the players performed whilst accruing the club's biggest Premier League points tally in a 38-game season.

"There is absolutely no truth to this story or any of the allegations. I appreciate the progress and performance of the whole squad, managed by Sven Goran Eriksson, this season," Shinawatra told the club's official website.

Shinawatra has also denied that deputy chairman John Wardle had apologised to the players for selling the club in the summer.

Manchester City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said: "We are currently taking legal advice regarding these news reports and will pursue those who continue to run or repeat this false story and its allegations without the chairman's rebuttal."