Rafael Benitez has ignored speculation linking him with the Spain manager's job and insisted that he is focused on the future with Newcastle United.

The 55-year-old has been tipped as a potential replacement if current La Roja boss Vicente del Bosque stands down after Euro 2016, but he says that he is looking no further ahead than the fight to maintain the Magpies' top-flight status.

"I am the Newcastle manager and I want to be the Newcastle manager next year. I am really pleased here," Benitez told reporters ahead of Saturday's trip to Southampton.

"Always it is positive when people talk about you. Obviously with Spain, it is one of the [top] teams in the world now, but I am just concentrating and I would like to stay here for a while."

Benitez does have a clause in his contract which will let him leave St James' Park if the Magpies are relegated this season. With just seven games remaining, six points separating the North-East club from safety.