Reports from Mexico on Wednesday had suggested that a potential deal was connected to Sergio Perez's future with the Silverstone outfit.

Read Also: Ferrari 2018 shot key to new Force India deal for Perez

"It was the first I knew about it," Fernley told Motorsport.com. "There's no truth in that rumour at all, there are no discussions going on with Carlos Slim regarding buying the team.

"I don't think that's the philosophy that Carlos works with when bringing through drivers, he wants the freedom to do whatever he feels is appropriate for the drivers."

Williams battle

Meanwhile, Fernley says that the battle with Williams for fourth place in the world championship will continue to ebb and flow in the coming races.

Force India led by two points after Spa, but Williams went three points ahead at Monza.

"I think we'll have positive and disappointing conversations race after race! Singapore may edge in our favour, Malaysia probably in theirs. Japan could be weather driven, so you don't know where it is.

"Austin, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi will probably be very even, or maybe slightly in our favour. Those two to three points will always be that decisive factor.

"It will be tough, because in Singapore McLaren could do well, and if one of us gets it wrong, I think we could be punished by McLaren."