Rafa Benitez has revealed he has held some discussions with Ayoze Perez since an interview about playing in La Liga at the end of his contract went viral.
But Benitez - who will review a host of player contracts if he signs his own new deal - said he wasn't too concerned about Perez's situation.
He said: "I was talking with him after the interview (where he talked about returning to Spain) and I think it was a bit tricky.
"If you know the journalist, you know what is going on. I think he is okay."
"He is doing well and he is an important player for Newcastle United."
Perez blasted in a hat-trick against Southampton in a 3-1 win on Saturday night.
When asked about stories linking him with a return to Spain, Perez replied: "What I know is: I’m feeling very good, very fit, on the pitch.
"Helping the team, with goals, for a striker is the main thing, the main target. And that’s it.
"I don’t think much about anything else."
Benitez: Perez's form for Newcastle United not just down to Almiron arrival
