Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the vacant manager’s job at Everton.
Ronald Koeman’s sacking led to Benitez being installed as one of the front-runners for the Everton job. The fact he still lives on Merseyside, having settled there during his successful reign as Liverpool boss when he led them to Champions League glory in 2005, has also played a huge part in him being linked with the Everton job.
The 57-year-old Spaniard, however, has rubbished all speculations and insists that he is happy with his ongoing mission at St James Park.
Asked about the speculation, he said: “I read in the press and heard people talking, but I am happy here. I am concentrating on this, I don’t like to talk about rumours.
“The reality, obviously, is that my family is in Liverpool, but my past was Liverpool [Football Club]. Everton is a great club.
“I’m not saying I’m interested, I’m saying I’m happy here and want to concentrate on Newcastle and try to do my best here.”
Newcastle take on Burnley in the Premier League on Monday, and Benitez clearly has his mind focussed on the Magpies job.