Rafa Benitez is a target for Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian next season, according to reports.
The boss is adored at Newcastle and has built an emotional connection to the fan-base, however, the lack of backing from Mike Ashely, a tycoon who has just bought struggling retail outlet House of Fraser for £90 million, has meant that there is no trust between manager and the hierarchy and Benitez.
Benitez joined Newcastle after Steve McClaren's disastrous reign but could not save them from the drop. He followed them into the Championship and got them promoted at the first time of asking. But the club claimed that the relegation and money invested for promotion meant that funds were limited for last season. Despite this, Newcastle finished tenth in the league, earning a sizeable profit from TV money, and the sales of players.
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This summer, money again hasn't been handed to Benitez and news of his disgruntlement with the club has other sides circling round in the hope of signing the manager who only has a year left on his contract.
Clubs like Tianjin Quanjian, who are prepared to wait for Benitez.
A source close to China said via The Mirror: "Tianjin Quanjian could be interested in Rafa at the end of the season when he would be free as things stand.
"Clubs in China are still monitoring his situation, especially with him not signing a contract. A manager here can lose two games and be out, so any of the top clubs could be interested.'But they might have a tough time plying him away from England. Benitez's family is settled and he hopes to stay in the country.
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But anything is possible in football, just not at Newcastle United.
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