Antonio Conte says he did not know about Bournemouth's interest in signing John Terry and insists the defender remains important for him at Chelsea.
Bournemouth have been linked with wanting Terry, who is struggling for regular first team football at Stamford Bridge, and could make a move to sign him in the current transfer window.
But Conte dropped a clear hint that he is not considering letting Terry go as he stressed how important the centre-back is both on and off the pitch for Chelsea.
"I didn't know about interest from Bournemouth for John", Conte told a press conference when asked.
"He is an important player for me if he plays and if he doesn't play because he is a really important man in the changing room", the Chelsea boss added.
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Conte has settled on an established back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz, meaning Terry has a battle to get into the starting eleven.
There is also further competition for Terry as Kurt Zouma has returned to fitness and is pushing for first team minutes.
It remains to be seen whether the Cherries make a move for the veteran centre-back.
