Former Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez may have just ruled himself out of a possible return to manage once again in the North East as news broke from The Daily Mail that he has secured a visa to return to China ahead of the Chinese Super League's apparent proposed start next month.

However, as per the outlet, other foreign players and officials remain locked out, and will not be allowed back into the country until October.

The Spanish coach has been at home on Merseyside since the global pandemic crisis swept across the footballing world, but sources have allegedly said that he is set to return to his role as head coach of Dalian Professional ahead of the proposed start of the Chinese Super League in July.

There were fears in China that Rafa as well as several other managers who have been out of the country could miss the majority of the campaign, assuming that it still resumes of course.

Nevertheless, the former Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Napoli, Real Madrid and Valencia boss  is now ready to return to his £12 million-a-year role.

However, given that he may be returning to China to take up another position, it may have effectively ruled him out of a potential return to St. James' Park, as he has been linked with the job if the proposed takeover of the Magpies goes through.

Some members of the Toon faithful may have loved him to return because of his relatively impressive managerial record when in charge of NUFC, but now this possibility looks to be all but over now.

Geordies, would you have liked Rafa to return? Comment below!