Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is set to leave Saint James’ Park at the end of the month after his three-year contract expires.
The Magpies have confirmed the news, and they will begin the search for a replacement in earnest.
Benitez and Newcastle have been locked in negotiations talks for the past 18 months, but both couldn’t agree terms, with owner Mike Ashley’s stance over transfer budgets and his unwillingness to support the Spaniard a major turnoff for him.
The SJP outfit offered Benitez a one-year contract on the same £6 million salary – with bonuses included – but Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang are ready to double his salary.