George Caulkin responds to claims Rafa Benitez will return if £340m takeover goes through..
George Caulkin has played down claims that Rafa Benitez will be lined up for an immediate return should the Saudi group led by Amanda Staveley complete a takeover.
The North-East writer admits that the Spaniard was an 'integral part' of the bids made by Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital two years ago, but insists that he is not in their thoughts at this stage.
This comes after The Sun (amongst other outlets) claimed Rafa would be targeted if a £340m takeover went through - however it seems that isn't the case as things stand, with his lucrative contract (two years remaining) and 'get out clause' in China also making it unlikely.
Here's what he's had to say on Twitter when asked if the Spaniard is in the thoughts of the Saudi-based consortium led by Amanda Staveley:
"There’s nothing in it, no.
"He has two years left on his contract, with a massive get out clause.
"He was an integral part of the bids two years ago and was still manager when this latest business started.
"It’s not on the agenda for now (and it’s also disrespectful to Bruce)."
As Caulkin states, the former NUFC boss still has a couple of years left on his contract in China - also revealing that there's a 'massive get out clause' in his current deal.
On the subject of 'Bruce or Benitez', here's how fans voted when asked who they'd prefer IF a takeover did go through (BIG if):
