Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is the subject of interest by Chinese Super League clubs who are keen to provide the Magpies boss with a £30 million annual contract according to the Daily Mirror.
Benitez has masterminded Newcastle’s ascent to second place in the Sky Bet Championship this season.
The ex-Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss would become China’s highest-paid manager and would follow in the footsteps of a host of other esteemed managers to make the move to China including former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini and Andre Villas-Boas along with players such as Carlos Tevez and ex-Chelsea duo Ramires and Oscar.
Benitez has been in dispute with the St James’ Park outfit in recent weeks after he lamented the lack of transfer funds at his disposal to add strength in depth to his squad in the January transfer window. The report suggests friction has emerged between the Spanish manager and the board.
However, whether Benitez will be keen to make the move to China, given that he and his family are settled in England is up for debate.
Newcastle were held to a 2-2 draw by Bristol City at home on Saturday and are currently one point behind league leaders Brighton.
