Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague confirmed to the Newcastle Chronicle in April that Rafa Benitez had already rejected an approach from a Chinese club.
“I know for a fact that he has rejected at least two massive offers – and I mean massive offers – to make him one of the best-paid managers in the world. Those offers came from Saudi Arabia and China,” Balague said.
Reports as early as last Autumn said that Benitez had been offered the managerial role at Guangzhou Evergrande, which he turned down to stay with Newcastle. It has been suggested that he turned them down again earlier this year.
Newcastle fans have had their say on the reports via social media, with most dismissing a move to China out of hand. They clearly want Benitez to stay after his exploits on Tyneside.
Benitez took Newcastle to a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss took Newcastle up from the Championship in 2017 and finished in 10th place on their return to the top flight.
He has also been linked with the vacant managerial role at another of his former clubs, Chelsea.