Ayoze Perez rules out Newcastle United exit

Ayoze Perez has played down talk that he could be on his way out of Newcastle United this summer by insisting that he is "really happy" at St James' Park.

The Spanish attacker is reportedly a target for Europa League participants Real Betis following a strong end to the 2017-18 campaign.

Perez netted six goals and set up two more in his final eight matches of the season, helping Newcastle to a top-half finish in their first year back in the Premier League.

Asked about speculation linking him with a return to his homeland in the coming months, however, the 24-year-old made clear that he does not want to move on.

"I am really happy at Newcastle," Chronicle Live quotes him as saying. "I am always trying to get better and every time I step out at St James' Park I want to do well and score goals.

"This is my feeling and that is important. I want to be here and help this club to grow. For sure this is my most-memorable season at the club.

"Our final position of 10th, the number of goals I have scored, the performance of the team during the whole season - overall it has been a great season for the team and me personally. I cannot ask for any more and I am so happy going into the summer."

Betis finished sixth in the Spanish top flight to seal a qualifying spot for next season's Europa League.