Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has shrugged off job rumours.

Stoke's attacking flair and ability to put away Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City this season has led to Hughes being touted in various quarters for a promotion to the big time.

But the Stoke boss, who tasted the high life at Man City for 18 months in 2008 and 2009, insists: "There's a lot of speculation, that goes with the territory.

"It's probably better to be talked up than talked down. I've had both and I know which I prefer.

"It is what it is. It's speculation. Nothing more, nothing less."