Rafael Benitez wants Premier League return but move not imminent amid West Ham links
No approach has been made to Rafa Benitez about a possible return to the Premier League this season, according to reports.
Benitez remains focused on making a success of his time in China but expects to manage in England again, possibly as soon as next season.
The Spaniard, who earns £12m a year after tax as manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, was linked with West Ham on Tuesday.
The Hammers are without a win in six games and that run has placed intense pressure on manager Manuel Pellegrini, with his side sitting 16th in the table, five points above the bottom three.
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Benitez left Newcastle back in June to move to China but Dalian Yifang are stuck in the CSL’s mid-table – ninth of 16 teams with three games remaining in their season.
The 59-year-old came close to joining West Ham as manager back in 2015 before he was hired by Real Madrid – that role would last only half a season.
His family remain based in the North West and Benitez was recently quoted as saying he has “unfinished business” in the Premier League.
