GARY O'Neil says his full focus this week has been on Cherries' Premier League fixture with Leicester City, not speculation linking him with a move to Middlesbrough.

It is understood Boro this week contacted Cherries to enquire about their interim head coach's availability as they search for a new boss.

The Championship outfit on Monday sacked Chris Wilder, with the Teessiders sitting in the relegation zone.

Unemployed Rob Edwards is currently odds-on favourite to take the role.

O'Neil, who was also linked with the Huddersfield job during his stint as Cherries' interim boss, has seen his odds slip to 16/1 for the role at Boro.

That comes after it is understood Cherries told the north east club they intend to keep O'Neil on the books in some capacity, after the proposed takeover from American billionaire Bill Foley has gone through.

Asked how aware he was of the situation regarding contact from Boro, O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "I think I’ve been focussed on Bournemouth. I don’t pay any attention to any of it.

"The week has been fully geared around Leicester. No other noise makes any difference to me."

He added: "Middlesbrough is a fantastic club, firstly. I loved my time there.

"They’ve got a great owner. But as I’ve said a million times, I’m really happy at Bournemouth.

"I love the place and I’m really comfortable with the situation as it is right now."