Stoke City manager Mark Hughes acknowledged reports suggesting he's caught Chelsea's attention as a possible permanent replacement for Guus Hiddink when the Dutch manager completes his job as interim manager.
Hughes, a former Chelsea player, appeared flattered by the connection since it reflects what he's accomplished at the Britannia Stadium, but insists he's focused on Stoke.
"There is a little bit of speculation about certain roles in the Premier League at the moment, and at some point, if you have a decent spell, you get mentioned in dispatches," Hughes responded when asked by reporters about Chelsea's interest. "I think it is no more and no less than that.
"It's nice to be mentioned I suppose, because that reflects well maybe on me but more so on the players and how well they are doing, which is how it should be because we are having a decent season.
"But we are fully focused here and enjoying what we are doing."
Hughes emerged as a possible candidate following his positive impact at Stoke since joining the team in 2013. The club has become a regular fixture in the Premier League since its promotion, and, since Hughes took charge, has developed into one of the trickiest ties in the Premier League.
The former Manchester United player has previously enjoyed coaching spells at Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers, and the Wales national team.