The general manager of Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, Nelson Rodriguez, has ruled out the possibility of Ghana winger David Accam joining English Premier League side Stoke City during the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been widely speculated to be on his way to the Potters following an impressive debut season in MLS.

“David is a key part of our team and a key part of our plans for 2016 and beyond,” Rodriguez told Comcast Sportsnet Chicago.

“I don’t really understand where the rumours have originated from and why they even exist. We have had no discussions at all with Stoke or any other team for his transfer or service.

“To David’s credit, he wants to have a bigger and better season than he did last year. He thought that getting a head start on training would put him in a better position to achieve that goal of an improved season in 2016 and we were pleased to accommodate his request.”

Accam netted 10 times in 23 matches which earned him the Chicago Fire Most Valuable Player of the Season.

“I’ve learnt never to say, or rarely to say ‘never’, but it would be extremely difficult,” the administrator added.

“It’s very hard to foresee a scenario that would have us agree to a loan at the start of our season. I think it’s unrealistic.”

Accam joined Chicago Fire in December 2014 from Swedish topflight Helsingborgs, where he scored 17 goals across 25 appearance