KARL Robinson is unhappy with the way this week’s bid for Cameron Brannagan became public knowledge.
Oxford United rejected a six-figure offer, understood to be from Blackpool, for the influential midfielder.
Reports of the bid emerged yesterday morning, with Brannagan starting today's 2-0 defeat at Lincoln City and going off injured after 41 minutes.
Speaking after the game, Robinson revealed he was frustrated by the manner in which the offer emerged.
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United’s head coach said: “His agent went straight to Tiger (chairman and owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth) trying to get a deal done, rather than phoning me which he’s meant to do.
“I don’t like people being deceitful and dishonest and trying to manipulate a move secretly, I don’t think that’s right.”
He added: “The team that came in for him, I’m not saying what team it is, put in a phone call straight through the front door.
“The agent didn’t even know about it. Now the agent wants to get involved and put things out in the media and start putting legs to something.
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“I spoke to the owner of the agency last night, I don’t think the way it’s been conducted is correct.
“Maybe I have to learn that the lies and the dishonesty is something that we have to be better at.
“You know that this football club sells players to go on to other things, it’s part of who we are.
“But I don’t like things being done in that way.
“When I got sent the text from the owners that the agent sent behind our back, I don’t think it’s right.”
Various outlets have quoted different amounts, but the Oxford Mail understands the bid was north of £500,000.
Brannagan has 18 months left on his contract, which includes a ‘significant’ buyout clause that is believed to be seven figures.
Robinson added: “Every player has their value and the beauty is our owners don’t need to sell, so the value becomes stronger.
“It just becomes less probable that you take that risk and jump at something that’s a lot less than what you need."
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