Rafa Benitez has insisted he has not moved closer to signing a new contract extension - nor has he spoken to any sides from the Chinese Premier League.
The Toon boss was asked directly on both subjects after the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal .
But Benitez refused to beyond Saturday’s game with Crystal Palace - a game in which the Magpies could seal Premier League survival.
After 'It's positive' - BBC 5 Live experts discuss Rafa Benitez's future at Newcastle United , Benitez said after the game: “Nothing has changed.
“We are exactly the same as we were some days ago.
“We are in the same position, the same situation.
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“I am just trying to concentrate on Crystal Palace.”
Benitez has been linked with the Guangzhou Evergrande job for next season.
When asked if he had been practicing Mandarin, he said: “At the moment, I am only concentrated on what I can do, and that is to prepare the team for the next game.
“People can talk about things, and that is normal in football.
“Players, managers, whatever.
“The only thing I can do now is try to do the job properly and stay in the Premier League.”
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'It's positive' - BBC 5 Live experts discuss Rafa Benitez's future at Newcastle United
