Dale Stephens has turned a deaf ear to Derby County’s transfer interest and is concentrating on helping Albion continue their undefeated start.

The midfielder played a part in Kazenga LuaLua’s winning goal against Blackburn Rovers at the Amex after The Argus revealed Derby had two bids for him rejected, the second around £2.5 million.

Stephens said: “If you read too much into speculation, it can put you off the task ahead. So I tend not to listen to that until I’m told otherwise and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

“The manager wants to keep players here. He’s brought in good signings as well and so it’s obviously had an effect on the pitch. We’re still unbeaten so far this year and long may that continue.”

Stephens, who started the move for LuaLua’s first-half winner, wants to contribute more goals to Albion’s cause from the centre of the park alongside Beram Kayal.

He said: “I scored a couple of goals in pre-season which I’m looking to improve on. It needs to become a major part of my game alongside Beram and the wide players as well. We can’t put too much pressure on the strikers and we’ll try to get goals all over the pitch.

“Kaz has started the season well and he’s capable of that. Beram and myself need to become a goal threat and it will be massive for the team if we do that.”