Next West Brom manager: Michael Appleton told to ignore Baggies job speculation

Appleton, currently Puel’s assistant at the Foxes, is thought to be a serious contender to replace Alan Pardew at The Hawthorns.

The 42-year-old previously represented the Baggies as a player and coach is one of several candidates being considered following Pardew’s exit earlier this week.

Puel admitted he did not know whether the Albion job would tempt Appleton, who stepped down as Oxford boss in order to join Leicester last summer, back into management.

But he called on his assistant to ignore the talk for now and focus on the remainder of the Premier League season.

“It is speculation, like players before the transfer window,” said Puel.

“It is always the same thing for manager and assistant managers.

“The most important thing is the same as for players, is to stay focused and concentrated on the team about our club until the end of the season.

“All the other things is speculation and I can’t comment.

“It is a good question for him (Appleton), not me. For me the most important thing for all the people at the club is to keep our focus about the team, about our results.”

Appleton originally joined the Foxes to become Craig Shakespeare’s assistant but was kept on the staff following Puel’s arrival in October.

“If we have consistent results over the past few months is because the players are good players but also the staff around them help them to continue this work,” added the Frenchman.

“Michael gives his best around the team, and keep the good focus.”