Ranieri unconcerned by Drinkwater returning to United reports

Claudio Ranieri has brushed off reports that Danny Drinkwater could be tempted to rejoin Saturday's opponent Manchester United, suggesting that the stories are merely back page babble.

The midfielder was a vital cog in Leicester City's incredible charge to the summit of English football last term, and committed his future to the Foxes by signing a new contract until 2021 back in August.

Despite appearing relatively settled in the East Midlands, that hasn't deterred the tabloids from speculating that Drinkwater could re-join United after leaving the club for Leicester in Jan. 2012.

"I'm very surprised because often it happens one month before the market and not now," Ranieri said about the transfer talk.

"(Drinkwater) signed a new contract and everything is normal. I think he doesn't have a clause. We don't want to sell anybody. We want to keep our players."

Ranieri has done an admirable job of retaining his talented, title-winning throng over the summer.

Reigning PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez, Arsenal's summer target Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan are among those who've tied themselves to longer terms at the King Power Stadium, with only N'Golo Kante seeking pastures new in a transfer to Chelsea.

"When I have a player who is wanted by big teams I am very happy because that means we are working very well," the affable Italian gaffer continued.

"Sometimes I say maybe the newspaper doesn't have some news and they write some news - this is okay. That is my idea."

Drinkwater has started each of Leicester's five league outings so far this season, and will be expected to be selected in the starting XI for the weekend's trip to an out-of-sorts United.