Striker disputes manager claims amid Leicester City links as transfer admission made

Swansea City striker Joel Piroe has insisted that he has not been distracted by the speculation over his future amid reported interest from Leicester City, despite his manager claiming otherwise.

City have been linked with an interest in the 22-year-old since the January transfer window, with the striker catching the eye in his first season in English football. After completing a move from PSV Eindhoven to Swansea last summer, the forward has scored 24 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.

That has led to reports that City are keeping a close eye on the Netherlands youth international ahead of the summer transfer window opening. Swansea boss Russell Martin has said that his team may have to sell if the right offer comes in during the window.

It was a stance that was reiterated by the manager following the final game of the season against Queens Park Rangers, with Martin also suggesting that the forward has been distracted by the talks of a move to City.

"He's a young man, there's a lot of speculation and noise and I don't think he could perform at his best today because of it," he said, via WalesOnline.

“We have a valuation of him, and every player. If someone meets it, then so be it, we'll have to be ready. We'll be absolutely disappointed to lose such a good player, but I think he appreciates that this club's been really good for him this season, he's been really good for us and it's just been a good fit.”

Piroe himself has left the possibility of a summer move open, but has outlined his happiness at Swansea. The striker has however rejected Martin’s claims that he’s been distracted by the talk.

“It can be more frustrating for the gaffer because almost every day, he’s had an interview or spoken to