Bordeaux president Stephane Moulin has joked that if new, head coach Gus Poyet wanted to sell star man Malcom, he would be whisked off to a psychiatrist.
The 20-year-old Brazil has been one of the shining lights of Ligue 1 this season, playing to a regularly high standard, scoring spectacular goals and attracting the likes of Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal to him.
His side, though, have suffered a disappointing season and sacked Jocelyn Gourvennec prior to the weekend’s 1-0 win over Nantes.
Speculation from the Gunners and United may have cooled, but there are still questions over the future of the former Corinthians youth, with Tottenham linked with a potential move. Moulin, however, has indicated that Poyet will have no say in the Brazilian’s future – whether he likes it or not, the attacker is staying.
"If there's a coach who wants Malcom to leave, we'd have to take him to see a psychiatrist,” he said.
“The coach doesn't have a veto on the sale of Malcom. It's been said time and again that Malcom won't leave.
“We said it in the summer a lot, when I felt like I spent the whole month with his agents. There have been no proposals. We can reiterate, therefore, Malcom won't leave; he'll finish the season here. And whatever happens, I don't think there's a problem with him."
Poyet, however, stated on Monday that he does not want to see the Brazilian depart.
Meanwhile, West Ham striker Diafra Sakho and Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic continue to be linked with a move to Bordeaux.