Turnbull’s comments follow a flood of reports that promising striker Bernie Ibini has signed on with cashed-up Chinese Super League outfit, Shanghai SIPG.

Talk of Ibini pocketing $400,000 for the one-year deal could be wide of the mark, however, with au.fourfourtwo.com told the offer could be significantly higher.

With the CSL campaign well underway and headed for a three-week break it would be a tidy windfall for the 20-year-old.

Ibini is one of several players in the middle of sensitive contract negotiations including goalkeeper Mat Ryan (Club Brugge) and Trent Sainsbury (FC Basel).

But the Mariners fear lurid headlines about done deals could spook interested clubs which, in the case of Ibini, could see the Gosford outfit lose $600,000 on the transfer.

“It is disappointing to wake to headlines claiming our players have signed with others Clubs,” Turnbull said.

“One media outlet today labelled three of our players as ‘gone’, yet truth be told agreements for the three players mentioned by the publication have not been executed.

“It is common practice amongst football clubs around the globe not to speculate or comment about transfers until such time as the deal is complete.

“Incorrect reporting regarding player movement can lead to offers being withdrawn, to the potential disadvantage and disappointment of the player involved.

“What we can say is that many young players in the Hyundai A-League, including Bernie Ibini, are interested in plying their trade overseas.

“Our club is proud of the fact we have provided numerous players with the opportunity to not only impress foreign clubs and represent Australia’s national teams, but also become wealthy young men.

“Australia’s best young footballers are eager to play for our club because they understand that league leading structures and policies are in place to enable them the opportunity to forge lucrative careers abroad after first providing outstanding service to the Central Coast region.”

Mariners coach Graham Arnold, whose own future is under the media spotlight, did nothing to quell the flames of speculation when he defended the club’s annual exodus of young talent.

“You know we’re not selling them to poor clubs or we’re not just flogging them off,” he told 2MM’s Soccer Stoppage Time this week.

“You’re talking Tommy Rogic going to Celtic, Maty Ryan’s Club Brugge, one of the biggest clubs in Belgium, Sainsbury to FC Basel, one of the biggest clubs in Switzerland.

"We’re developing players and giving them the opportunity to better themselves.

On the subject of Ibini he said: “It’s a good offer for the kid. If it comes through it comes through if not he’ll stay with us but he’s got another year left on his contract.”

All going to plan the striker is expected to be on a plane to China within the next couple of days to undergo a medical before a deal can be finalised.