Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has been offered up for a move to both Europe and to China as he heads into the final months of his current contract at St James’ Park, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim on their website that there has been a key development in terms of the Spaniard’s future on Tyneside with the £6million break clause, which would have seen the Magpies due to pick up compensation if he had left during his contract, expired, leaving him free to exit.
It is stated that Benitez has been touted as a new managerial option to Newcastle’s rivals in both Europe and Asia, with China targeted as a potential destination.
Opinion
The absolutely last news that Newcastle fans wanted to hear – although many will not be surprised by this particular turn of events. With Benitez now seemingly free to leave St James’ Park without the threat of a big-money exit fee hanging over his head, he could well seal his future before his time at the Magpies is even up. It would be absolutely devastating for the Toon Army to know where Benitez will be leaving for if that does end up being the case but with the way he has been treated by Mike Ashley it is perhaps more surprising that he has remained with Newcastle for as long as he has. Only a huge change in direction from the owner, which will involve some actual spending this month, is likely to change Benitez’s mind over leaving the club as his three year stint looks to be coming to an end in the not-so-distant future.