Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has played down speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea, insisting he remains fully committed to the Foxes. The 31-year-old, who famously turned down Arsenal in 2016, has been linked with a January switch to Stamford Bridge, where manager Antonio Conte is seeking to ease the burden on Alvaro Morata.
Speaking ahead of Leicester's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Peterborough, Vardy dismissed the reports as unfounded. 'Who have I been linked with today? Chelsea, they've been linked with everybody haven't they?' he said. 'You just have to take things like this with a pinch of salt, it's just rumours. Usually it all gets started by someone throwing a few quid on it at the bookies.'
Vardy, who has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season, stressed his focus remains on Leicester. 'I'm a Leicester player and I'm just concentrating on Leicester until the club tell me otherwise,' he added. 'We will be looking to progress to the next round of the cup.'
Leicester's only January signing so far is 22-year-old midfielder Fousseni Diabate, who could make his debut against Peterborough. Manager Claude Puel is keen to strengthen further before the transfer window closes next week. 'It will be interesting to strengthen the team if we can,' Puel said. 'If it is not possible, I am happy with this squad.'
Defenders Robert Huth and Danny Simpson could return for the tie, while captain Wes Morgan continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Puel confirmed there is no return date yet for Morgan, but noted 'good news from his scan' and that he is 'making good progress'.
