Lewis Dunk has been hailed as "a great leader for the club" as Albion close in on the new season.

The big No.5 has been speculatively linked with Leicester this summer and that could continue with Foxes defender Harry Maguire again reported to be on his way to Manchester.

Now Dunk's defensive sidekick and good friend Shane Duffy has stressed the reports do not reflect any desire of Dunk to move on.

He said Dunk is preparing for a big season leading his home city club in the Premier League.

Duffy told the Argus: "Anyone who knows him knows he loves this club to pieces.

"It's transfer rumours at the end of the day.

"You can see his performances and the way he’s training.

"I think he is going to be the club captain this year so it's a big season for him and I think it's a big thing for him.

"You can see by the way he is around the place, it's just the same as normal.

"His head is nowhere near turned.

"He’s a great leader, a great example for everyone for the club and a lot of the players look up to him here. He realises that."

Duffy said it was no surprise players were linked with moves, whether they liked it or not.

He added: "It’s football and anyone’s name can be linked but it just shows how well he’s done at this club.

"But I think his head is here and, hopefully, for this club and us as a team he will be here."