IAN Holloway has denied reports linking him with Celtic defender Efe Ambrose – saying he has never even heard of him.

Reports elsewhere this week claimed the newly-promoted Eagles and fellow Premier League side West Brom were both chasing the Nigerian international.

But Holloway poured cold water on the suggestion today.

The Selhurst chief said: “I don’t know who Efe Ambrose is, personally.

“No, there is definitely no truth in him, is there?

“This is what I’m saying, it is fantastic you are telling me names I’m supposed to be linked with, well I’m certainly not – not all of them.

“Some of them I am but the chairman knows who we are linked with and hopefully he is trying to get them.”

Holloway added: “The players don’t need to see speculation.

“You’ve already mentioned one name (Ambrose) that I haven’t got a clue who he is and where he plays to be perfectly honest with you.

“I have a bit of fun every morning where I ask the wife to get the paper and tell me who I’m looking at now.

“There was a Swedish centre half I was linked with the other day I didn’t even know he is.”

However, the manager also told fans to expect a busy few weeks ahead by saying he wants to make up to seven new signings by the time the transfer window closes.

Holloway revealed: “I’m expecting probably five or even six, maybe even seven by the end of the deadline.

“There’s not enough hours in the day to have them all in by the Tottenham game.

“I’ve probably missed out on four by talking to you lot right now!”

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