Mattock focused on Foxes

Interest in highly-rated defender reportedly gathers pace

By James Dall   Last updated: 25th July 2008

Football England v Ireland U21 Joe Mattock

Mattock: Highly rated

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Highly-rated Leicester City defender Joe Mattock is focused on preparation for the new League One season despite speculation linking him with a move away from the club.

Mattock, 18, is tipped for a bright future and is reportedly attracting interest from a number of Premier League sides following Leicester's relegation from the Championship last season.

The England Under 21 international was the subject of a failed bid from West Ham United in the January transfer window, while it is believed that Aston Villa are the latest club to show an interest in his services.

Mattock, however, is refusing to become distracted by the rumours linking him with a switch to the top flight.

"Things like that happen but I am just focusing on what I am doing on the pitch," Mattock told the Leicester Mercury.

"The manager is trying to get a good team bonding going and a good team spirit is what we need because this league is going to be fast and he wants us to just play our football."