Leicester City deny move for Peterborough striker raig Mackail-Smith
A story appeared on Posh's official website on Thursday night stating that chairman Darragh MacAnthony had rejected an approach from City to take their main striker on loan for the rest of the season.
It also stated Reading and Watford had made inquiries about the 25-year-old.
However, City have dismissed the claims and said no approach to Peterborough had been made.
In addition, Posh said captain George Boyd was a target for Middlesbrough but their approach was also declined.
It is very unusual for a club to reveal on its website the identity of any clubs showing an interest in its players.
Mackail-Smith has scored eight times this season and 50 times in 127 appearances for Posh since signing from Dagenham & Redbridge in 2007.
Posh are 10 points adrift of safety but director of football Barry Fry said: "The chairman believes in the great escape. He believes we have a genuine chance to achieve the impossible and wants to try to keep the players at the football club.
"We have therefore turned down three offers to take Craig on loan."
The claims have disappointed City officials.
The link may have come because of Matty Fryatt's injury, which has put his season in doubt.
City's top scorer is recovering from a double fracture of the jaw and may not play again this season, although City manager Nigel Pearson is still hopeful.
That has led to speculation that City are looking to bring in a new striker now the emergency loan window is open.
However, Martyn Waghorn's recent form has lessened the impact of Fryatt's injury, and Pearson also has Yann Kermorgant, Steve Howard, Paul Gallagher, Lloyd Dyer and Dany N'Guessan vying for the other two attacking berths in his successful 4-3-3 formation, so he has plenty of options.
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