Middlesbrough boss Karanka quashes Valencia job link

Aitor Karanka has dismissed suggestions he's in the frame to take the Valencia job, insisting his focus lies in Middlesbrough.

Reports online said super-agent Jorge Mendes, who's believed to be an inspirational character at the Mestalla, had identified Karanka as an ideal fit should incumbent manager Gary Neville's contract not be extended beyond the summer.

"My first reaction was to smile, the second was it was reported that Valencia were interested because of my connection with Jorge Mendes," Karanka said of learning of the apparent Los Che interest.

"I've never been in touch with him since I arrived here. The last time I spoke with him was more than two years ago. That was funny. There is nothing in it for me because my head is here at Middlesbrough. I am already in the best place to work."

Karanka initially joined Boro in November 2013 after buying into long-term chairman Steve Gibson's vision for the club. The Spaniard penned a new deal last summer that ties him to Teesside until 2019.

"I signed (for) four years here because I want to be here, my family is happy here, and I want to stay here," he added. "I have said always that I am in the right place to be. I want to fulfil the targets I had in my mind when I moved to Middlesbrough."

Karanka's side sits one point short of league-leading Burnley with a game in hand ahead of its trip to Rotherham United on Tuesday.