Perth Glory have warded off Sydney FC from pursuing defender Rhys WIlliams after recent comments by the rival A-League outfit declaring an interest in the 28-year-old.
Speaking with FourFourTwo, Glory CEO Peter Filopoulos branded the discussion as speculation and disrespectful towards the club.
"Sydney should respect that Rhys is a contracted player and not discuss any interest in him," Filopoulos said.
A marquee pre-season signing, Williams has been missing from the last three matchday squads increasing speculation about his future at Glory.
He has been linked to both the Sky Blues and a move to Asia, with the former fanning the flames through comments by head coach Graham Arnold.
"The transfer window is coming up and anything can happen in the A-League," Arnold told Channel 9.
"If that was to happen and Rhys was available, he's a top-quality player and one we'd look at."
Filopoulos however slammed the discourse surrounding Williams, having previously revealed a clause in the player's contract that could see him stay in Perth another year.
"It's disrespectful and damaging to our football club," he said.
"We are a proud club with over 20 years history and we will not accept this intolerable behavior by a rival club."
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