Sean Longstaff has described transfer interest from Manchester United as "flattering" but insists his preparations for the new season have been unaffected by the Reds' pursuit of him.
United are keen to sign the 21-year-old central midfielder from Newcastle but the Magpies put a £50million valuation on his head earlier this month in a bid to dissuade Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Speaking about United's interest in him for the first time, Longstaff said his full focus is on returning to the pitch having not played since March due to a serious knee injury.
"I just keep my head down," Longstaff told Chronicle Live. "I am just trying to get fit - that's all I can focus on. I am still a Newcastle United player.
"I want to get back on the pitch as soon as I can. That is what I am looking forward to doing.
"I make more and more progress everyday, that's all I look forward to. I can't wait to get on the pitch and impress the new boss."
Longstaff made nine Premier League appearances for Newcastle last season after Rafa Benitez blocked a loan move to Portsmouth for the youngster 12 months ago.
And he can't quite believe how quickly his stock has risen.
"If somebody had said to be me a year ago I would be in this position, I would probably have laughed at them," Longstaff added.
"This time last year I was deciding whether to go to League One (Portsmouth) on loan. A year on, you are seeing your name linked with one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"For me, it is all a positive really. It gives you even more confidence. When I was in for a short amount of time people took notice of me. It is flattering but my job is at Newcastle."
