MANCHESTER, August 6, 2008 (AFP) - Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra insists he has no plans to sell Manchester City.

Reports in England on Wednesday claimed Thaksin may be forced to look for a buyer for the Premier League club due to his fight against corruption charges in Thailand.

Thaksin's plans for City have been hit by his inability to release 1.2 billion euros in assets as a result of the legal wrangle, as well as the sentencing of wife Pojaman to three years in prison for tax evasion, though she is now on bail pending appeal.

But he spoke to City executive chairman Garry Cook from Beijing to refute suggestions he wants out of Eastlands.

'It is not true to say Thaksin Shinawatra is selling Manchester City,' said a club spokesman.

'He spoke with Garry Cook this morning and those were the sentiments he echoed in very strong terms.'

While Thaksin doesn't want to sell, it has been confirmed that he has been in contact with associates who have expressed an interest in investing in the club, although these have been nothing more than 'exploratory'.