Newcastle United will have to act quickly if they want to secure Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez as their next permanent head coach - because the Spaniard has already held talks with Brentford. Jemez's contract expires at the end of the campaign and, although he has been offered a new two-year deal to stay in Spain, the 45-year-old claims he is open to a move to England. Brentford trail Middlesbrough 2-1 ahead of their Championship play-off second leg on Friday but they could quite easily become a Premier League team next season should they turn that deficit around, with Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague claiming the Londoners have already sought contact with Jemez ahead of such an eventuality. Mark Warburton (pictured below) is definitely leaving Brentford despite a magnificent season and Jemez is the number-one target - although Sevilla are also chasing the Rayo boss. And it is for this reason the Balague expects Jemez to remain in Spain and take up the challenge at Sevilla, although Newcastle would offer an interesting prospect for the former Deportivo La Coruna centre-back. John Carver is currently the Magpies' interim head coach but he has overseen just two victories since taking over from Alan Pardew in January and looks unlikely to be given the role on a permanent basis. Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday, Balague said of Jemez's situation:
"This week he (Jemez) will tell Rayo if he accepts the renewed contract that has been put on the table. I think it will be a 'no' because Sevilla want him. "I know there's been a lot of talk about the Premier League and, yes, he had a meeting with Brentford. I think he would like to be in Spain next season, maybe at Sevilla if Unai Emery goes."
Interestingly, ahead of Rayo's 2-0 victory over Getafe on Monday night, Jemez told the Spanish club's official website that nothing concrete had been agreed on his future. When asked about the rumours, the former Spain international centre-back replied:
"I take them (the rumours) so well, I'm not worried. If something comes, it'll come. "I don't like that we've waited five months to sort things out, for there now to be a rush. Rushing things isn't good. "What I'm focused on right now, is the end of the season in La Liga."
Jemez has guided Rayo to 11th in La Liga this season, having taken the club to their highest-ever league finish of eighth a couple of years ago. The former Alcala, Cordoba, Cartagena and Las Palmas head coach also enjoyed a stellar playing career as a centre-back - being capped 21 times by Spain, as well as representing clubs including Deportivo La Coruna and Real Zaragoza. To find out more about Paco Jemez, CLICK HERE to read 12 things about him - including the fact he "f***ing hates long balls".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.