Dyche has no fears over Burnley strike ace Ings

Ings has been linked with both Liverpool and Celtic in recent weeks after a season in which he has so far netted 16 goals for Burnley, and two for England Under 21s.

However, Dyche is not concerned ahead of the transfer window opening on New Year’s Day: “It’s the reality of people doing well. If you look across the divisions, forwards get the main headlines, but there are players in different positions at many different clubs - it’s just a natural progression of that, for a club like Burnley or a club like Leicester.

“They have players here who are going well. I think the boy Schlupp was at Manchester United for a period.

“They’ve got people looking at their players as well. It’s just a natural fact.

“I think it enhances it when you’re doing well.

“There isn’t any factual interest that I know.

“No-one has rung me, so that’s factual, but there are a million stories.”

Dyche also allayed fears about Ings’ fitness, after missing the goal-less draw at home to Watford a fortnight ago with an ankle problem: “It’s not bad at all. He’s one of the most honest kids I’ve worked with. He’s a fantastic young man. He’s had a minor injury and it’s one that needs care and attention, like any other injury.

“It’s nothing major, it’s good quality maintenance from the physios and sports science staff.”

Dyche, meanwhile, has had his name thrown in the hat for the vacant West Brom post by the Birmingham media.

Steve Clarke was placed on gardening leave after Saturday’s fourth successive defeat, a 1-0 loss at Cardiff City, and immediately the likes of Martin Jol, Roberto Di Matteo, Mike Phelan, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Paul Clement and Dyche were linked.

Having guided Burnley into Championship promotion contention without spending a penny, it is inevitable that the Clarets boss, also linked previously with the vacancy at Crystal Palace, will attract attention, but, as regards the Baggies job, it remains as pure speculation.

Keith Downing will be West Brom caretaker manager for Saturday’s game against Hull City, if not the whole festive period.

Dyche has 18 months left on his current contract, and, it is believed, a £1m buy-out clause.

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