Bournemouth caretaker boss Gary O'Neil has played down talk linking him with 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, says the Daily Echo.

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

Ahead of today's clash with Leicester City, O'Neil said, "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."