Albion technical director Dan Ashworth has brushed off reports linking Lewis Dunk with Leicester as "only speculation".

Rumours have been rife all summer that an £80 million move for Leicester's England international Harry Maguire to Manchester United would trigger the Foxes swooping for Seagulls skipper Dunk.

Ashworth (below) said on Sky Sports: "As far as we are concerned it is only speculation and we won't comment on speculation."

The Argus: A claim by The Sun website on Sunday that a £45 million fee has already been agreed between Albion and Leicester have been described as "absolute rubbish" by an Argus source.

In mid-June, a well-placed source told The Argus Dunk is 95 per cent certain to still be leading Albion under new head coach Graham Potter this season.

The Brighton-born defender is happy and settled at the club and suggestions he would be "devastated" if a move to Leicester does not materialise have been dismissed.

He is understood to be on a list of several candidates Leicester have to replace Maguire, along with Burnley's James Tarkowksi.

A Leicester insider said last night no deal has been agreed between Leicester and Manchester United for Maguire.

Ashworth was also tight-lipped on Fulham's interest in Anthony Knockaert.

The Argus confirmed a report in The Sun that Fulham have made contact with the Seagulls over the French winger without making a formal offer.