Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has rejected an approach from La Liga side Real Betis, according to the Daily Star.
The Spaniard is still embroiled in discussions with United over a potential new deal, with his current one set to expire at the end of June.
And it is understood that he has declined a move back to his home country this summer, partly as talks are ongoing, and partly because he feels he has other, better options on the table should he leave the north east.
Betis are reportedly set to turn to Thierry Henry instead.
OPINION
This one is a little bit bittersweet, all things considered. On the one hand, Benitez has said no, and you still get the impression that despite everything, his main priority is to stay at Newcastle this summer. That being said, there is the caveat in the report that he has only said no because he feels there could be better options for him elsewhere. If that is true, then perhaps Newcastle fans should be worried. That would suggest that Benitez does still have one eye on the exit, whether it be through choice or through necessity. The wait for news on a new deal is beginning to get agonising now, and the longer it goes on, the more it feels like purgatory. You also worry that the longer this is dragged out, the more likely it is that Benitez will leave this summer. That’s not to say he wants to, but given the general incompetence and stubbornness he seemingly has to deal with, it’s easy to see how that could happen.