De Bruyne speculation annoys Wolfsburg boss

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking says he is irritated by constant media speculation on whether Kevin de Bruyne will sign for Manchester City, with the English giants poised to swoop for the star midfielder.

"It's annoying, because the questions are always the same and we can't give a different answer," said Hecking, who steered Wolfsburg to the German Cup last season and this year's Super Cup after beating Bayern Munich on penalties two weeks ago.

"I have no desire to answer these questions anymore. This club has made it's position clear."

De Bruyne was named Germany's player of the season in 2014/15 and has been outstanding for Wolfsburg -- who finished second behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last season -- scoring 20 goals and contributing 38 assists in all competitions since signing from Chelsea in January 2014.

Wolfsburg start their season on Sunday at home to Eintracht Frankfurt with the hosts being swarmed by UK media reports stating that City have made an offer worth 66 million euros (£46.9m, US$73.35m) for the Belgium midfielder.

"We can't give a reaction to every story from the Guardian or the Daily Mirror or whatever paper there is in Manchester," said the 50-year-old Hecking, who recently extended his Wolfsburg contract until 2018.

"I don't really care for that and as the head coach here, I can't give a report every day on the state of things."

Hecking said De Bruyne is unaffected by the speculation.

"He hasn't given much thought to a change of club," insisted Hecking.

"I see a Kevin de Bruyne on the training pitch who is focused on the start of the new season and he certainly wants to play well on Sunday."

Hecking also insists the speculation will have no impact on the Wolves when they kick off against Frankfurt.

"It's not like there is a dark cloud over the team, the squad have registered that there is a player who is being watched by the top teams," said Hecking.

"He has developed here, but also because the team has worked hard around him."
Source: AFP