Portsmouth FC have been refused permission to approach former Coventry City midfielder Paul Cook with a view to becoming their new manager.
Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner told his club's website "I received a phone call from Portsmouth, asking for permission to speak to Paul Cook, which I turned down.
"We are trying to win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs and we will do all we can to keep Paul at the club. Paul has been informed of the situation."