Dalian Yifang manager Rafa Benitez is “hoping” to make a quick return to the UK, according to TEAMtalk. The website claims that the Spaniard already wants to leave China despite only signing a two and half year contract back in July.

It believed the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager is targeting the Hammers as a possible option, with Manuel Pellegrini under increasing pressure following recent performances.

Benitez was confirmed as a candidate to take over at West Ham before he joined Real Madrid in June 2015. His ill-fated spell at the Bernabeu lasted just seven months.

He did swiftly return to management with Newcastle in March 2016 but after a three and a half year spell on Tyneside, he opted to leave the North East after guiding the club to a 13th place finish.

Whether Benitez would be a candidate if the Hammers job becomes available this time around, though, we shall have to wait and see.