Preston North End manager Alex Neil has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the vacant West Bromwich Albion job, report the Lancashire Post.

But at the same time the Scot did not completely rule himself out of the running, instead insisting he is solely focused on his current job at Deepdale.

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“There is speculation all the time,” Neil told his pre-match press conference.

“The one thing that is absolutely guaranteed is that I have had no discussions with anyone about anything other than Preston North End.

“That is it.”

Neil has guided Preston to within touching distance of the play-offs, despite having a tricky start to the campaign, now sat just two points behind sixth-placed Bristol City.

West Brom parted company with manager Darren Moore after a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town last Saturday, despite the Baggies sitting in fourth place.

As well as the Preston boss, former Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is thought to be another name high on the list of potential replacements.

The verdict

I personally think Neil would be the best man for the job.

Yes, Jokanovic has a good recent track record, but considering Neil is still only 37 he has the potential to be a great long term appointment for them.

It is a choice you feel they will have to make soon, however, and it is unlikely Preston will be too willing to part with their boss at this stage of the season.