Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian are chasing Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez.

The Mirror says top clubs in China have been closely monitoring the uncertainty over Benitez's future.

And mid-table Quanjian, where the Portuguese former Leicester, Swansea and QPR boss Paulo Sousa has been in charge since last November, are prepared to wait for Benitez.

The Spaniard is in the final year of his Toon contract and has still not agreed a new deal – despite being offered fresh terms.

Benitez, 58, has said he would be happy to stay at St James' Park for up to a decade given certain assurances, and all the indications are he will at least see out his current deal.

But funding for transfers remains a fundamental issue.