Newcastle United 'have not held talks with Gennaro Gattuso'

Newcastle United have reportedly rejected rumours that they have moved to appoint Gennaro Gattuso as a replacement for Rafael Benitez.

Reports in Italy over the weekend suggested that the Magpies want Gattuso - sacked by Milan last week - to become their new manager this summer.

According to the Newcastle Chronicle, however, Newcastle have not made contact with the Italian's camp and they are instead focused on keeping Benitez at St James' Park.

Gattuso was dismissed by Milan after finishing fifth in Serie A and is rumoured to be interested in a move to the Premier League.

Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in the process of buying Newcastle from Mike Ashley, meanwhile, with an agreement recently being reached between the two men.