Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has shot down speculation the club is interested in releasing young half Matt Burton early fro his contract to link up with Canterbury.

Burton has agreed to join the Bulldogs for 2022.

“I’ve said all along that Matt’s a really valuable member of our squad,” Cleary said.

“I really value him as a person and a player.

“(But) if you keep getting asked I suppose there’s always something that potentially could happen that might make a deal happen.

“I’m not too sure what all the fuss is about really, because our view hasn’t changed since last year.”