Everton boss Rafa Benitez admits he expected to return to Newcastle United while coach of Dalian Pro.

Benitez had been linked with Newcastle in the event of a proposed £300m takeover being passed by the Premier League. However, the deal wasn't approved and the former Chelsea and Napoli stayed in China.

Speaking after signing a three-year deal with Everton, Benitez admitted: “I was following them (Newcastle) when I was in China (with Dalian Professional).

"I was in contact with a lot of people, I was expecting maybe something will happen. It didn't happen. That's it.

“I have to concentrate on now, with Everton I could see the vision, as a club they want to be successful. We were talking about the new stadium, so many things that means the club is going in the right direction."