Rafa Benitez ready to make his next move after Newcastle United exit

Newcastle United yesterday confirmed that Benitez will leave the club on June 30, when his contract expires.

A statement was released after talks over a new deal broke down between Benitez and the club’s hierarchy because of owner Mike Ashley’s unwillingness to give him a more competitive transfer budget – and more autonomy in the market.

Benitez will now discuss a £12million-a-year contract with Dalian, though he will also have other offers to consider in the coming days. The 59-year-old – who guided United to 13th and 10th-placed finishes after winning promotion back to the Premier League – has, up to now, been reluctant to uproot his family from their Merseyside home.

Newcastle are heading to China in pre-season.