Unai Emery insists he's received "no offer" to become next Newcastle manager

Unai Emery declared he is "focused on Villarreal" amid intense speculation linking him with a return to the Premier League as Newcastle United manager.

The Spaniard has emerged as the Magpies' priority target for the St James' Park hot seat, which has been vacant since Steve Bruce's departure in October.

Newcastle's new Saudi-backed owners are prepared to pay Villarreal €6million (£5.1m) in compensation to land Emery after a careful recruitment process spanning many weeks.

The 50-year-old was sacked by Arsenal in November 2019 after 18 months in charge, having led the club on their worst run of form for 27 years.

Emery was snapped up by Villarreal in July 2020 and led the Spanish side to the Europa League title in his first season in charge, defeating Arsenal and Manchester United on the way.

Unai Emery led Villarreal to a 2-0 victory at Young Boys on Tuesday night

He is considered a specialist in the competition, winning it in three consecutive years with Sevilla between 2014 and 2016 while also reaching the final with Arsenal in 2019.

With five honours from two years at Paris Saint-Germain also on his CV, Emery is viewed as the high-profile manager to lead Newcastle in their new era.

His representatives are believed to be in contact with Magpies chiefs, but he was tight-lipped over a move to Tyneside when speaking on Tuesday night following Villarreal's 2-0 victory over Young Boys in the Champions League.

"The only thing that is true is that I have been told of their [Newcastle's] interest and I pretty much don't have more news than that," Emery told Movistar.

"There is no offer, which in any case would have to come via the club. So there's no more beyond that [which would make] me say I'm going."

Emery insisted his focus will turn to the La Liga clash with Getafe on Sunday, although he refused to rule out a move to Newcastle, adding: "I do not open or close the door.

Who is the best manager in the world right now? Cast your vote below!

"I am waiting and I would talk to Fernando [Roig, Villarreal president] and the club, for whom I have respect. My dedication is where I am."

Emery is under contract at Estadio de la Ceramica until the summer of 2023, something which Roig was keen to emphasise while speaking on Tuesday.

"I have absolutely no idea," said the Villarreal supremo of Emery's Newcastle links. "What I do know is that he has a contract with us and contracts are there to be fulfilled. I expect Unai's professionalism and I have no doubt about that."