Rafa Benitez has made staying at Newcastle United his main priority ahead of crunch talks with managing director Lee Charnley.
The Chronicle understands that Benitez will give the Magpies every chance to secure his services in good time for next season.
The Toon boss has been linked with taking on the Celtic job next season with the odds on a switch to Parkhead mysteriously taking a tumble today.
However, Benitez is keen to transform Newcastle into a top-eight side in the Premier League in the next few years, and feels that the club aren't too far away from that possibility IF certain changes are made behind the scenes .
United are willing to get Benitez's extension deal agreed but Mike Ashley wants to continue cutting his cloth accordingly and wants to bring in younger players will sell-on value.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "We’re scratching our heads as to where this sudden interest has come from, but punters seem to think Rafa might make the shock move north of the border this summer."
Odds on Benitez becoming boss at Celtic dropped from 20/1 to 5/1 today.
Former Sunderland boss David Moyes is keen on the job while ex-Huddersfield Town chief David Wagner is also interested.
Neil Lennon is currently in the position as caretaker manager with the Hoops.
Benitez is set to meet the media for the first time in over a fortnight on Friday afternoon.
Despite having a good chance to talk about his future , Benitez and the club have not discussed his contract over the international break.
Sean Longstaff already making good progress after injury with Newcastle United coach expecting 'quicker' return than usual
