Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has distanced himself from reports linking him with with a move for Oxford City striker Kabongo Tshimanga.

The 21-year-old hot-shot is a man in demand having scored 36 goals in all competitions for the National League South club in 2018/19, but Taylor insists that the Grecians are not one of them, despite being aware of his talents.

Tshimanga's exploits have led to speculation over an imminent departure from Court Place Farm. His former club, MK Dons, Oxford United and Stevenage have all been linked with him, according to the Oxford Mail, along with the Grecians. But Taylor says his top targets lie elsewhere.

"I’ve got to be honest, there’s nothing from our end. I’ve not spoken to the player, or the agent," Taylor told Devon Live.

"There was brief contact regarding availability back in January and the fees and the money that was being touted around at the time blew us out the water. We couldn’t match that. At the moment, our attention has turned elsewhere, to be honest with you.

"He is a name and a story that keeps coming up, but not at this end, or from this end of the country, if that makes sense. It’s probably a journalist or through an agent there, I honestly don’t know, but at the moment, it’s nothing we are dealing with."

With Tshimanga being offered fresh terms by the non-League club and him under the age of 21, compensation would have to be paid by any potential buyer, which again throws a potential move into doubt.

"There is always that issue, but I have to be mindful that, any money I spend – and with no disrespect to this lad – has to be on a top target," Taylor said.

"Obviously, my priority at the moment has to be goalkeepers and centre forwards and trying to bring in ones that have experience of league football, whether that be a young lad that has experience of being in the league or an experienced one that’s played hundreds of games. That’s my priority at the moment.

"In terms of taking players from non-League, it is something we are looking into, but the financial restraints at the moment mean that my budget is going towards different areas."

The Grecians have also been linked with a move for Gloucester City left-back Noah Smerdon.