AFTER a week when Rafael Benitez was linked with the West Ham United job once again, the Newcastle boss insists the only thing he is thinking about is delivering promotion to Tyneside.

With just eight matches remaining Benitez is keen to avoid any distractions and has not taken any notice of the suggestions the Hammers are interested in asking him to take over from Slaven Bilic at the end of the season.

He has previously this season been linked to the Arsenal job too, although it is difficult to imagine he will be in a rush to leave St James’ Park if he guides Newcastle back to the Premier League and receives the backing he will seek from owner Mike Ashley.

Newcastle, who are a point clear of second place Brighton ahead of today’s visit of Wigan, can take a step closer to the top-flight by winning this afternoon and then against Burton at home on Wednesday.

Benitez said: "My message is very clear. I don't want to waste much time talking about the next signings or the manager. Why do I need to talk about 'maybe this' or 'maybe that?'

"It's very clear. Concentrate on Wigan and try to win and get promoted and go up. It's so simple. Why do I have to waste time on that or 'are you considering playing this one or that one?'

"The difference between me and the others is that I'm older and I can manage this situation. I can concentrate on my target, which is to win. That's it.”

Benitez was certainly not concerned when he chatted inside the media room at the club’s Darsley Park training complex yesterday.

He is understood to have been encouraged by discussions with managing director Lee Charnley and chief scout Graham Carr during the international break when potential summer targets were discussed.

He was annoyed Newcastle did not add to their squad in the January transfer window, believing an extra player or two would have effectively guaranteed promotion at that stage. Andros Townsend was the player he wanted the most.

Benitez said: “We have had some meetings and are thinking about the future. It's part of the process. We have a lot of people working and everyone's doing their job.

“We have had meetings and have talked about possible targets. I don't want to waste time talking about targets, because you can fill 20 pages with names.

“I think it's important to realise it's the time to stick together and do what we have do to. At the same time, the club is going forward and trying to do what we have to do for the future.

"Are we looking for players for the Premier League or the Championship? It doesn't matter now. We are looking for good players. We have to see where we are.”