Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has been offered the chance to double his money with a move to the Chinese Super League.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss is out of contract with the Magpies in 12 days’ time and his future in the North East remains unclear.
To date, the 59-year-old has only worked in Europe, where he is keen to continue managing, but that may be tested by an offer from China.
Dalian Yifang, whose squad includes the likes of Arsenal target Yannick Carrasco and ex-Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik, are willing to offer Benitez £12m-a-year to move to China, twice what he is on at St James’ Park.
However, the Spaniard has regularly spoken of his reluctance to manage in the Far East and as recently as the start of this season said when asked about a possible move to Asia that “a job like that does not interest me.”
While it is unlikely Benitez will head to China this summer, his future with Newcastle remains unclear with the days counting down on his current contract.
Talk of a potential takeover may have hindered progress regarding a new contract, with owner Mike Ashley still actively trying to sell the Magpies.
Benitez has hinted he would be prepare to walk away if no offer was forthcoming and wait for the right job to come along.
However, it is understood the 59-year-old would rather remain in work and would favour a stay at St James’ Park, even if time is running out.
As well as England, Benitez has also managed in his native Spain and Italy in a highly-successful managerial career to date.
The Spaniard’s family are also settled in Merseyside following a spell as Liverpool boss earlier in his career, so it seems that the Premier League would be his preferred choice for a next job should he leave Newcastle.