Alex Gilbey has insisted that he is "really happy" at Colchester United despite reportedly turning down the chance to sign a new contract with the club.
The 18-year-old will be out of contract next summer, but has been offered the opportunity to pen fresh terms with the League One club.
It is believed that the midfielder is holding out for a better deal, but he has claimed that he is not interested in leaving the Essex outfit.
He told the Daily Gazette: "I'm really happy to be here and playing under the gaffer. I leave any speculation to other people but, at the end of the day, I want to play for this club and under the gaffer.
"It really suits me playing under him with this style of play. I looked up to him as a young lad and now I'm playing for him. He gives young players a chance and you have to be confident as a youngster, knowing that he will do that.
"I'm really enjoying my football and I'm feeling confident. I don't care if I'm playing out of position, as long as I'm playing games for this club, I'm happy. This is where I want to play my football, so it's good to be in the starting lineup where I want to be."
A number of clubs are believed to be monitoring proceedings.
