Benitez is in the final year of his contract at Newcastle.
Spanish transfer expert Guillem Balague has claimed on his Twitter account that Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has rejected two lucrative offers from China and Saudi Arabia.
Benitez, 58, is in the final six months of his contract at Newcastle and doubts are beginning to arise over the long-term future of the Spanish boss at St. James’ Park.
Multiple reports had suggested that Benitez would walk out of Newcastle if the club failed to sign any players in the January transfer window. But owner Mike Ashley seems to have finally given Benitez what he was asking for.
Miguel Almiron joined for a club-record £21million on deadline day from Atlanta United, while Antonio Barreca joined the club on loan from AS Monaco. Balague stated Benitez had two £8.7million-a-year offers after tax – almost £170,000 a week.
“I’ve heard that Rafa Benitez has been approached by one club in China and another in Saudi Arabia,” Balague said. “Both of them are willing to pay 10million Euros net (£8.7million), per year, for two years.
“This was about two months ago and Benitez said no. He has a five-year deal on the table at Newcastle which he has not signed, yet. With Almiron arriving, he is happier, but he would like it to continue.”
Benitez has enjoyed an excellent week as Newcastle boss and perhaps one of the best since he took the job in early 2016, breaking the club’s 14-year-old transfer record and beating champions Manchester Cit 2-1.
It remains to be seen if the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool manager will accept a new deal, but his focus is more likely to be on Saturday’s tricky test against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
