ALBION have heard nothing from Leicester about their alleged interest in Lewis Dunk.

A well-placed source has told The Argus there has been no contact between the clubs.

It follows technical director Dan Ashworth yesterday brushing off reports linking Dunk with Leicester as "only speculation".

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

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

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

In mid-June, The Argus reported that Dunk was 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 if a move to Old Trafford materialises, but Burnley's James Tarkowksi is thought to be their top target.

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 near-£15 million rated French winger without yet making a formal offer.

Meanwhile, Ashworth has given the clearest indication yet that Albion want to develop more of their own young talent under Potter.

A handful of under-23s went on last week's training camp to Austria.

Ashworth watched Steven Alzate shine in the first half of the 5-2 win against FC Liefering and Max Sanders was used in the second half of Albion's opening friendly.

Ashworth said: "Graham has a clear view of what he likes and what he wants from the players and his record at Ostersunds and Swansea, the way he wants to play the game, the vision he has for the game, we've got to try to make sure we bring in or develop players that fit that strategy.

"The easy way is to just bring in players. People often forget about developing your own talent and we've got lots of good young players in the academy, good young players that were out on loan last year as well.

"So sometimes the answers are from within, not just going out and buying new players."

Albion are keeping tabs on Brentford's Neal Maupay, The Argus understands.

Aston Villa and Sheffield United are heading the queue to sign the 22-year-old French striker, who scored 25 goals in the Championship last season.