Newcastle United and Premier League round-up: Rafa Benitez and Salomon Rondon struggle at Dalian Yifang

The ex-Newcastle United duo have endured a difficult few months together in China following their summer moves away from the North East.
Rafael Benitez shakes hands with Salomon Rondon during their time at Newcastle United.Rafael Benitez shakes hands with Salomon Rondon during their time at Newcastle United.
Rafael Benitez shakes hands with Salomon Rondon during their time at Newcastle United.

Rafa Benitez started strongly in his new role as Dalian Yifang manager. After signing former Magpies striker Salomon Rondon, the Chinese club enjoyed a decent spell, winning five, drawing two and losing just once in the season’s opening eight games.

Since then, Benitez and Rondon have been knocked out of the cup, have won just once since August, lost five of their last seven in all competitions and now sit ninth in the Chinese Super League.

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In other Newcastle United news, former Midfielder Joey Barton is due in court accused of assaulting a rival manager.

The Fleetwood Town manager, 37, is alleged to have pushed then-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel at the South Yorkshire club's Oakwell stadium on April 13, leaving him with a damaged tooth. READ MORE.

Also – Allan Saint-Maximin has apparently ended the career of a former Premier League winner and international veteran. READ MORE.

Meanwhile, there has been a shock shift in Steve Bruce’s price to become the next Premier League manager to lose his job. READ MORE.

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In the Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has outlined the January transfer plans for Manchester United which could be significant for Steve Bruce.

The former Cardiff man wants to add to his squad and has previously been linked with a move for Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff. With Nemanja Matic reportedly close to leaving the Red Devils, Bruce may face a tough fight to hang on to his star midfielder.