AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso has rubbished rumours that he could replace Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United in the summer.
Benitez is yet to sign a new contract with Newcastle and he could walk away from the club in the summer once his current deal runs out.
Newcastle have been in talks to convince him to sign a new contract, but they have also been linked with potential replacements if the Spaniard goes.
Gattuso is reportedly on their radar and the Italian said to have been meeting super agent Jorge Mendes to take stock of his future.
But the AC Milan boss brushed aside the speculation about him joining Newcastle and stressed that he only meets Mendes as the agent is a close friend of his.
The Italian told Italian broadcaster Rai Sport: “With regards to Mendes, we often see each other.”
Asked about the Newcastle link, he said: “[These are] unfounded rumours.
“I repeat, with Mendes, I only have a great friendship.”
Benitez is likely to want assurances on transfer funds before he agrees to sign a new contract with Newcastle.
