Free State Stars have confirmed continuing interest in Lucky Mohomi but the club’s general manager‚ Rantsi Mokoena‚ has warned potential suitors that the midfield will not go cheap.

“There have been many enquiries about him; he had a wonderful season for us. But it has to be a worthwhile deal for us to let him go‚” he told TimesLive on Friday.

Mokoena‚ waiting for the arrival of his new French coach‚ Denis Lavagne‚ on Friday‚ said there had been talks with other Premier Soccer League clubs but no prospective deal was yet in place.

He did not name the clubs but for the last two months media reports have consistently linked both champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates with the 25-year-old midfielder.

Mohomi was a regular starter for Stars in the past season after signing from GaRankuwa United last July.

He still has two more years on his contract with Stars so any deal would have to involve a handsome transfer fee.

Interest in the rookie defender‚ Justice Chababala‚ was nowhere near the level of the consistent media speculation linking him with a move to Gauteng‚ Mokoena added.

“That’s all been largely exaggerated and I don’t think he will be going anywhere soon‚” he said.

The Free State club has long been a prolific generator of talent for the top clubs in Gauteng‚ with the likes of Thabo Matlaba‚ Mzikayise Mashaba and Siphiwe Tshababala having all originally begun their professional careers at Stars.

The club begin the pre-season preparations next week.