Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has claimed there is "no chance" of Emile Heskey leaving the club despite reports of a Stg£12million move to Tottenham.
The England striker was reportedly set to be a target for Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle when the transfer window re-opens in January.
But Houllier has moved quickly to quash the rumours, saying the 24-year-old will not be allowed to leave Anfield at any price.
He told said: "This will not happen. There is no chance of Emile being sold and there is no point in anyone asking. You can add more to that £12million figure and he will still not be leaving.
"Emile is happy to be at Liverpool. He may have had a bit of a dip in his form, but I attribute that to his efforts for England during the World Cup.
"Some people like to criticise Emile, but I can produce plenty of facts and figures to back up how important he is to us, and how many goals we have scored that he has been involved in."
Heskey moved to Merseyside in an £11million switch from Leicester in 2000, but has failed to hold down a regular starting place in the first team so far this season.
But Houllier added: "Emile has been extremely influential and instrumental in the success we have enjoyed at Liverpool and he will continue to be. I support him and have faith in him.
"He has scored important goals for us. In fact he scored our most important goal last season, the fourth one in our 4-3 win against Blackburn that put us in the Champions League - I don't forget that.
"I believe in him and have faith in him. He will be ready to show his best form soon, I know that."