Rafael Benitez is targeting a Premier League return to replace West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini, according to TEAMtalk.
The online outlet claim on their website that the Dalian Yifang manager would like to return to England before the end of the year after a spell in China.
TEAMtalk report that representatives of Benitez are confident of getting the Spaniard out of his current deal at the Chinese club, despite it being a huge contract.
Benitez came close to taking over at the London Stadium before Pellegrini’s arrival, with a costly release clause at Newcastle preventing him from making the move to East London.
OPINION
Should the Hammers’ dreadful run of results in the Premier League continue under Pellegrini, it would be no surprise to see the Chilean be shown the exit door at the London Stadium. No win since September is unacceptable, and West Ham can’t afford to sit by and watch themselves drop down the table as the weeks go by, especially given their current position just above the relegation zone. Benitez would be the perfect candidate to take over as well, with many titles to his name including a Champions League, the Spaniard would also bring great Premier League experience from the top and the bottom of the table from spells at Newcastle and Liverpool. Given that the 59-year-old is pushing for an exit from China, and targeting a return to England, West Ham should not be afraid to make the first move to try and secure his services before the New Year.
