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Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has had no contact with Napoli

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez during the Premier League match at Wembley Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 9, 2018. See PA story SOCCER Tottenham. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Rafael Benitez insists he has had no contact with Napoli and is only talking to current club Newcastle amid continuing speculation about his future at St James' Park.

The 58-year-old Spaniard remains in discussions over a contract extension in the north east as his present deal has only 12 months left to run.

Benitez has earned plaudits for guiding Newcastle to an impressive 10th place finish in the Premier League, capped by a 3-0 romp against Chelsea on the final day.

And owner Mike Ashley wants to keep his well-regarded boss, issuing a statement to that effect on Sunday, in which he said the manager would have access to "every penny generated by the club".

Benitez has been linked with former club Napoli, plus Premier League sides Everton and Leicester, but is adamant that the Magpies are currently his only focus.

Asked about the link with Napoli, he told calcionapoli24.it: "My future?

"I've heard so much talk, but I haven't spoken to [Napoli chairman] Aurelio de Laurentiis.

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"I have a contract with Newcastle, I'm talking to them about my renewal.

"They made me some offers to stay here for a few more years, plus I have to manage my family.

"When I decided to go to Newcastle and stay there, even in the Championship, it was also because of my family.

"My priority is to stay in England. I'm only talking to Newcastle right now."

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