Newcastle fans reacted in a defiance manor after the Times reported Rafa Benitez is wanted by Chinese club Dalian Yifang.
The report suggests the Spaniard has received a contract offer of around £12million a year to manage the club in the Chinese Super League.
Benitez’s current contract at St James’ Park expires at the end of the month and thus far, there are no concrete indications on whether the 59-year-old stays or leaves.
The Times report also suggests he has been offered a new one-year extension but has been unable to sign it because he wants guarantees about how much funds will be available in the transfer window. Rafa’s current deal earns him half of what is on offer in China, according to the Times report.
The Bin Zayed Group takeover is said to be progressing well according to reports in the Sun and the businessmen believe their buyout should be completed by the end of the month after proving they have the funds to the Premier League.
The proposed purchase has made Rafa’s situation more difficult and meant the club have delayed the signing of any new players. But the Newcastle fans think he will stay.
China clubs step up interest in Benítez as contract ticks down to expire at end of the monthhttps://t.co/5MWNwKBhQo
— Gary Jacob (@garyjacob) June 18, 2019
No chance ! 0%
— Steve Johnston (@Sjohnston7Steve) June 18, 2019
Can’t see this happening. It’s not about money for Rafa. Just trying to get the Geordie’s wound up while they’re already super anxious about the situation. #NUFCTakeover #nufc
— nachodog (@nachodog47) June 18, 2019
Rafa was offered similar 2 years ago but said no. What’s changed…?
— Stuart (@swrain79) June 18, 2019
Honestly don’t think he will go to China
— Mickey ▪️▫️NUFC▪️▫️ Marr (@mickey_marr) June 18, 2019
@lee_ryder @SkySports_Keith @SkySportsNews @ChronicleNUFC @NUFC @alanshearer @pm_infra told you all 2 weeks ago this takeover was happening 99%. Some people still dont believe it, but now its 100%. Like i said imminent. @rafabenitezweb is staying.
— Darren Lee Carter (@DarrenNUFCarter) June 18, 2019
He won’t go to China
— Ron Robins (@Cheerfullron) June 18, 2019
I can say with certainty that Rafa Benitez will not go to China
— Logicfootball (@Logicfootball1) June 18, 2019
Announce @rafabenitezweb ✍????
— Rich Miller ⚫️Nufc⚪️ (@Rich1982Miller) June 17, 2019