DANIEL Merrett is going nowhere despite reports to the contrary, according to the Brisbane Lions.

 

Merrett, 29, has been the centre of speculation through the week suggesting the club is prepared to trade him and part ways after 10 seasons.

 

Angry Lions football manager Dean Warren said that simply was not the case.

 

He described the rumours as "deplorable" and "unfounded".

 

"At this time of year a lot of people's names get thrown around," Warren told AFL.com.au.

 

"No doubt there's been clubs that have raised Daniel Merrett's name with us … it's just discussions you have with clubs at this time of year.

 

"It's just part of the process. Why his name has been singled out … it's just inappropriate.

 

"He's contracted for another couple of years. As far as I'm concerned, Daniel's a required player."

 

By his own standards Merrett had a disappointing 2014, playing 19 games where he started at full-back and switched to full-forward mid-season.

 

New coach Justin Leppitsch swung the veteran forward when former captain Jonathan Brown missed games, and then more permanently once the champion retired.

 

Like his predecessor Michael Voss, Leppitsch wanted an experienced target in the forward 50 to help the younger talls.

 

Merrett has made no secret of the fact he prefers to play in the back half, but has been prepared to play in the makeshift forward role for a number of seasons.

 

He has played 171 games since debuting in 2005.

 

"It's been a blow up. Someone's said something, whether it's been taken out of context, I'm not sure," Warren said.

 

"He didn't have his best year, but the structure of our team with our young key forwards, he plays a really important role for us forward.

 

"We want to bring Michael Close and Jono freeman through, so he plays a crucial role for us."

 

Merrett will turn 30 in the off-season and is contracted until the end of 2016.