George Caulkin admits 'big concern' as Rafa Benítez receives new offer 'last night'
According to the Times' Gary Jacob, Rafa Benitez received an offer worth £12m per year last night to take charge of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.
North-east reporter George Caulkin has now had his say on the emerging story too, saying this news is now a 'big concern', with the club offering to double his money - all while there's 'still no sign of an agreement' with Newcastle United.
When I first saw this link this morning I was fairly unfazed. It's huge offer from a financial perspective, but it's always felt like money and a job in one of the less competitive leagues was never on Rafa's agenda this summer.
That said, the fact there's a stalemate between Benitez and Newcastle could mean he's now considering his options.
Here's a snippet from Gary Jacob's piece in the Times:
'Newcastle United’s hopes of keeping their manager Rafael Benítez were hit last night after he received an offer worth about £12 million a year to take charge of Dalian Yifang in the Chinese Super League.
'Benítez has long been a target for clubs in China and the offer, if accepted, would lead to him becoming the highest-paid manager in the Chinese Super League. Fabio Cannavaro, the Guangzhou Evergrande coach, earns about £11 million a year.
'Dalian Yifang are backed by Wang Jianlin, who is the fourth richest man in China and worth $21.6 billion (£17.2 billion) according to Forbes.'
Will Rafa walk away for China? I really didn't think so and I still have my doubts, but if we continue to mess him around could anyone blame him for taking a £12m a year job..
