Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he is flattered by links to Premier League clubs, but is remaining committed to the Championship outfit.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss was unable to keep the Magpies in the Premier League last season, but the Tyneside outfit have made a strong start in the Championship under his guidance this term.

Benitez has been linked with a move to West Ham United, but the Spaniard has dismissed the stories as paper talk.

He told the Newcastle Chronicle: "I have seen a lot of speculation in the newspapers about players and myself.

"I am really pleased, though, I'm happy we are doing well. When I decided to stay here it was because I wanted to do well and get promoted.

"I'm happy and proud that some clubs talk about me but at the moment I am really pleased with the way things are here."

Benitez has also dismissed reports that Jamaal Lascelles could leave the club.