Premier League The Spaniard is planning long Newcastle stay

Rafael Benitez has ruled out succeeding Vicente Del Bosque as the Spanish national team boss, as he plans to stay at Newcastle United manager beyond this summer.

Following the dismissal of Steve McClaren at the Magpies, Benitez was appointed manager in early March, and tasked with keeping the Magpies afloat in the Premier League.

Despite Newcastle being six points adrift of safety, that has not stopped speculation of Benitez replacing Del Bosque at the helm of Spain after Euro 2016.

"I'm the manager of Newcastle and want to remain so next year," Benitez told the press.

"It is always good when people talk about you and Spain, [who are] one of the best teams in the world. It's a compliment.

"In the past I worked for Vicente Del Bosque, I was his assistant at Real Madrid. He is someone who knows how to work. However, I think I'll be here [in Newcastle] for a long time."

After being beaten 3-2 by relegation rivals Norwich City last weekend, Benitez remains focused on pulling Newcastle out of the situation in which they find themselves in, starting with Saturday's trip to Southampton.

"There are 21 points at stake and we need to focus on the next game," he said. "We cannot influence any of the other encounters.

"If we win, things will be easier. If not, we will fight and we will not surrender."