Sam Allardyce has responded for the first time to talk linking Aaron Cresswell to Manchester City.

The left back and Claretandhugh’s Iron of the year – has been regularly linked with City but Allardyce reckons he’s only in the frame because he’s British.

The manager said in his Evening Standard column: “What makes players him attractive to the big clubs is that’s he’s home grown and clubs must have eight of those in their squads.

“Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair, for example, both spent time at City but did not play a great deal. They are featuring more regularly now at Sunderland and on loan at Aston Villa.”