Gareth Ainsworth says it would take 'something spectacular' for him to leave Wycombe Wanderers, amid an approach from Sunderland and interest from Millwall.
Sunderland are set to appoint Phil Parkinson as the new manager, but as they drew up their shortlist of contenders to replace Jack Ross, Ainsworth was on it and they were permission to speak to the 46-year-old.
Ainsworth guided his newly-promoted side to a 17th-place finish in League One last term, and has then began this season incredibly, with the Chairboys sitting second in the league table. They're four points above ninth-placed Sunderland, albeit having played one game extra.
As coincidence would have it, Parkinson's first game in charge of the Black Cats will be at Wycombe on Saturday.
Ahead of it, Ainsworth said of the speculation: "Sunderland are a huge club and I’m fully concentrated on Saturday’s game. I’m told there’s a lot of rumours and that’s flattering, because it shows we’re doing well. It would take something spectacular to take me away from here.
“There are so many factors in that. My family, my work here, the vote. But we’re very proud of what we’ve got here. I’m Wycombe Wanderers manager and I want to give the best account of ourselves on Saturday.”
Ainsworth has a long affinity with Wycombe Wanderers. He ended his playing career at the club, making 118 appearances and serving as player-manger in his first season as manager - a role he twice previously held at QPR in a caretaker capacity.
As both player and then manager, he's been with the club for just shy of ten years, but openly admitted recently that he had ambitions to manage in the Championship, and potentially beyond.
He revealed that in relation to asking the supporters' trust, who own the club, to vote in favour of selling the club to an American investor. He told supporters he needed the financial backing to realise his ambitions at Adams Park.
On Tuesday, prospective new owner Rob Couhig said of Ainsworth: "He and I have had a great relationship so far and I hope that will continue. We understand each other very well.
“Should the day come when he decides to move on, we will consult with the best people in the business, consult with you [the fans], consult with others and make a decision on how to go forward."
