Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson has told the Peterborough Telegraph that he would have no hesitations over playing Siriki Dembele for the club, despite the attacker having put in a transfer request. 

The 24-year-old forward was a standout performer for the Posh last season as they claimed promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship, notching up an impressive 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

However it appears that the player's thoughts are currently elsewhere after he handed in a transfer request in order to try and force a move away from London Road.

As a result of this, a whole host of clubs have been linked with a move for Dembele's signature, including Premier League and Championship sides and as mentioned earlier, Scottish duo Rangers and Celtic.

Now Ferguson has given his view on the situation in a recent interview, as he stated the following about Dembele:

"I can’t see us selling anyone before the season starts. Championship clubs have been very quiet in general and we have had no offers for Siriki, not ones that will turn our heads at least.

"Siriki is therefore very much part of my plans. If he trains well he will be in contention to play and he has trained very well so far.

"All the players on the transfer list will be considered for selection while they are still here."

It is said that Posh have received numerous enquires for the player but no actual firm offers, which means that the 24-year-old is no closer to securing a move away.

The club would be willing to accept a multi million pound offer and are willing to hold out until the January window in order to secure a fee that they feel the player is worth.

The Verdict 

I don't blame Ferguson for being open to using Dembele, as he is easily one of the club's best players at present.

Leaving him to rot in the reserves because he wants to leave just wouldn't make sense and it is clear that the Posh always do what is right for their players, no matter the circumstances.

It remains to be seen if a bid will come in that matches their valuation of Dembele and for that reason I think it is more likely that he will still be in a Peterborough shirt come the first game of the season.

He has earnt the right to secure a move to a bigger club with his performances last term but if there are no offers forthcoming, he will just have to grit his teeth and take it.