Huddersfield Town v Brighton: Fans fear exit of key man Butterfield

The midfielder, signed a year ago as part of the deal that took Adam Clayton to Middlesbrough, is a mainstay of the Terriers side.

Speculation that the Rams are ready to make a bid has unsettled supporters already upset that Alex Smithies could leave after Huddersfield accepted a £1.5m bid for the goalkeeper.

Smithies is in London today discussing terms with Queens Park Rangers but Butterfield was at training with his Town team-mates and is in the squad to face Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow night.

After confirming there had been no bid for Butterfield, manager Powell said: “Jacob is a key, key player for this football club. People will say everyone has their price and that is correct

“But Jacob Butterfield is integral to me. He signed for Huddersfield Town when we had no manager. He took a risk.

“The rumours now say Jacob is the next one. I don’t want that to happen and I am positive that won’t happen.

“I recognise what a good player he is. I know the chairman is adamant he doesn’t want to do that (sell Butterfield).”