Linfield winger Joel Cooper says he is "fully focused" on bringing the league title back to Windsor Park despite his future beyond this season being the subject of much speculation.

BBC Sport NI reported in December that the player had signed a pre-contract agreement to join Coleraine at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has been a key figure in the Blues establishing a 19-point lead at the top of the Irish Premiership table and his contribution has been recognised in being named Northern Ireland Football Writers' Player of the Month for January.

When asked by BBC Sport NI about the link to a move to the Bannsiders come the conclusion of the campaign, Cooper declined to comment.

"I'm fully focused on getting the title back to Windsor Park and putting in good performances and once that job is done I'll be open to that conversation," said the Linfield frontman.

"I have people in my corner to do the talking and that's probably why I don't get distracted, all I focus on is the matchdays and training days."

Linfield are in pole position to regain the Gibson Cup after Larne secured back-to-back Premiership successes, the first in their history.

Cooper is coy about suggestions that the leaders have the title wrapped up however, despite their seemingly unassailable cushion.

"Everyone says that from the outside but from the inside we focus on the next game. It's cliched to say but it's the truth," he explained.

"Going into pre-season we had only one goal. That was bringing the trophy [Gibson Cup] back to Windsor. We've done really well up to now.

"Being at a club like Linfield that's the bread and butter - getting the league title back here is the most important thing. That's what the fans want and we'll do everything we can to bring it back."

Cooper hopes his performances have paid back the support he has received from supporters.

"The fans have supported me really well and that's something I have a lot of gratitude for. I'm grateful for them sticking by me and supporting me. Hopefully my performances on the pitch can give something back to them."

Linfield's game away to Ballymena United on Friday 7 February will be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.