Barnsley head coach Paul Heckingbottom says he has not been approached by Sunderland about their vacant manager's job.
The 40-year-old has impressed at Barnsley and has been heavily linked with the Sunderland job of late.
Heckingbottom said on Thursday that he does not think Barnsley would stand in his way if they received the right offer but that no approach has been made as yet.
Having guided Barnsley to promotion via the play-offs in a caretaker capacity, Heckingbottom took charge on a permanent basis in the summer of 2016 and they finished a creditable 14th last season.
The Tykes are 16th at present, ahead of the trip to Norwich on Saturday, while Sunderland are rock-bottom and sacked manager Simon Grayson after a 3-3 draw with Bolton at the end of last month.
Asked if there had been an official approach from Sunderland, Heckingbottom told Sky Sports News: "No, nothing.
"It is not the first time (he has been linked with another job) so I am used to the speculation and I treat it as such.
"Until there is contact with a club, I just focus on my job.
"It's something I've had to deal with over the last 18 months, regarding myself or the players, but I treat it as speculation because otherwise it becomes a distraction.
"But if you put it into perspective it's because we're doing something right. It means we've recruited well, and have worked with them well, and they are performing well on the pitch.
"So, on the back of that there's speculation, and it's a pat on the back for the work you are doing. We're being recognised."
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