Speculation on the future of Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has resulted in a host of their players being linked with other clubs, but a source claimed the fears of an exodus are baseless.

Swedish tactician Eriksson is reportedly set to be sacked at the end of the season despite strong support from his players and club fans. As such, other Premiership clubs are said to be keen to take advantage of the situation and lure their star players away in the summer.

Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa are linked with skipper Richard Dunne, while Liverpool and Tottenham are eyeing up Michael Johnson. Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly interested in Micah Richards.

However, a club insider has dismissed the speculation about the young players’ future, saying in the Manchester Evening News: "All the players that the press has been speculating about this weekend are under contract here and in some cases they have long-term agreements.

"Any stories linking our younger players with other clubs are speculation."