Leicester City boss Claude Puel has played down "speculation" linking assistant Michael Appleton with the vacant managerial position at West Bromwich Albion.

After the Baggies parted company with Alan Pardew at the start of the week, Appleton is said to be among the contenders to take over at The Hawthorns.

However, Puel has suggested that Appleton remains focused on his job at the King Power Stadium as the East Midlands outfit look to finish in seventh place in the Premier League table.

At a press conference, the 56-year-old told reporters: "Like the players before the transfer window, it's just speculation. It happens in football. Like the players, we all need to keep concentration until the end of the season.

"I am happy about all my staff, including Michael - all the staff from medical to technical. If we do well it is because of the good players but also the good staff around them. Michael has always given his best around the team and kept focused."

Appleton has previously held a coaching role at West Brom, while also enjoying a successful spell as manager of Oxford United.