Rafa Benitez has just become available for appointment as Chelsea manager after leaving Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Professional.
The Spaniard was appointed interim manager of Chelsea in 2012 for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League.
Benitez, whose family home is in the north-west of England, had growing concerns about potentially leaving his family for an extended period of time had the virus re-surfaced in the Far East.
And so the former Real Madrid and Liverpool chief has taken the decision not to return ahead of the start of their new season in two months’ time.
Benitez made the move to China in July 2019 after his Newcastle contract expired.
He was replaced at St James’ Park by Steve Bruce, who is under pressure after a string of poor results and performances.
Chelsea are also reportedly considering Frank Lampard’s future after falling out of title contention.