​Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed rumours linking his captain, J amaal Lascelles, with a big money move to Stamford Bridge.





The Magpies sit top of the Championship during the current international break, three points clear of second placed Brighton and eight ahead of surprise package Huddersfield, who currently occupy third.

FULL TIME Newcastle United 2-1 Cardiff City #NUFC pic.twitter.com/kv47WaV2Vg — Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 5, 2016

Benitez's team have overcome a difficult start to the season and are currently on an eight game winning streak, which has seen them establish themselves as the league's top team.





Current club captain Jamaal Lascelles is one of a number of players in fine form and has been linked with a move to Chelsea, after reports emerged that the Blues were keeping tabs on the England U21 defender.

EXPLAINED: How Rafa Benítez has brought the feel-good factor back to Newcastle - https://t.co/dlbEcASQ4K



They're in brilliant form. pic.twitter.com/KzxJLmekvZ — Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 9, 2016

However Lascelles' manager has refuted claims that his captain may be keen to talk to Chelsea, or any other Premier League team.





“To be fair I was talking with Jamaal this week because I read a lot of things in the Press. He is quite happy and training well." Benitez told the Chronicle Live:





“He is concentrating on playing football and that’s it.”

When asked whether he was planning to do any business in the January transfer window, Benitez stated that his team need to focus on the present and not worry about the new year.





“We are not interested in the market at the moment. We just concentrate on games. Obviously, we are working and we are in contact with our scouts and everyone. And we have a lot of information.

“We don’t need to do anything at the moment, just concentrate on games and prepare for January - but in another way, because we don’t need to sell.”





The Magpies will look to make it nine consecutive wins when they come up against Leeds, following the international break.

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