“We do not want to sell, and we do not need to sell”.

That was the message from Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas after the U’s turned down a bid from Conference side Luton for star striker James Constable.

United’s chief added that while every player has a price, neither the U’s nor Constable were hoping for an improved offer.

But he did admit that there had been interest in last season’s leading scorer, including from League One.

“Manchester United sold Ronaldo so obviously every player can leave a club if the price is right,” he said.

“But we are in a position where we do not want to sell our players, and do not need to sell them.

“James is fully aware of the situation and the offer that has been made for him.

“But having signed a new three-year contract at the end last season, both he and the football club are very happy with their position.

“There has been some interest in him from League One, but no formal bids – except for one from a Conference club.

“We received an offer from them, but it was nowhere near enough.”

Thomas would not be drawn on the amount offered, nor the type of money that might tempt United to accept a bid.

But news that there was interest in Constable has already sparked fear among the United fans, who idolise the talismanic striker.

The 26-year-old joined the U’s in 2008, initially on a year-long loan from Shrewsbury.

The following summer, he agreed a permanent move, and at the end of last season signed an improved three-year deal.

He has scored 69 goals in 141 appearances for United and on agreeing his latest contract, said that he was aiming to become the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

Thomas added that while there had been rumours of interest in club captain Jake Wright, United had received no formal bids for the central defender.