Hearts have revived their January interest in Forest Green Rovers captain Laurent Mendy following the departure of Cammy Devlin to Rangers. The Tynecastle club had previously seen a bid for the 29-year-old midfielder rejected in January as they sought to cover for an injury to Australian international Devlin.
Devlin's Departure Sparks Mendy Pursuit
Devlin turned down a new contract offer at Hearts to reunite with Derek McInnes at Premiership rivals Rangers, prompting the Jambos to revisit a move for Mendy. However, Forest Green boss Robbie Savage has made it clear that any bids will be turned down, insisting the player is not for sale.
Savage's Stance: 'Not for Sale'
Savage stated: "We had a bid last January for Laurent, a bid which we thought was miles under our valuation. There is no bid at all in for Laurent Mendy. I think there has been contact from Hearts, but no official offer from any other club - not from Hearts, not from any other club."
He added: "Again, I think our stance is pretty clear - not for sale. If I look at the teams that are expected to be in the playoffs and going for promotion, I don't see any of them seeing their best player at this stage of this season."
Mendy's Value to Forest Green
Savage emphasized the importance of keeping Mendy as Forest Green push for National League promotion. "I understand people have got ambitions and aims, they want to play as high as they can - I get it, I've been a player. I understand it and I want to manage it. Unfortunately, in football you don't get what you want. I am not saying Laurent wants to go, I am just saying no bid has been received."
He concluded: "Our stance is pretty clear. No bid has been received, and we need to keep our best players at this football club to gain promotion. No bids are in, if any bids come in they will be turned down."
