Mark Clattenburg open to China move but reveals he has no offers on the table in rare interview

Clattenburg was named referee of the year at a recent football awards ceremony and was able to give an interview to address the interest in his services from the Far East

Mark Clattenburg has revealed he is open to a move to China as a referee (Getty)

Mark Clattenburg, who refereed the biggest finals in football in 2016, would consider a transfer from the English Premier League to the wealthy and ambitious Chinese Super League.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent by Chinese clubs on high-profile talent, including Argentina striker Carlos Tevez this week, in a bid to become a football superpower.

"China are certainly looking to develop their football, looking at their signings and their recruitment," Clattenburg told The Associated Press. "If an opportunity came along — I am contracted to the Premier League — but I have to look at my long-term strategy of my career. How long can I last as a referee? I have been in the Premier League 12 years. It's been a wonderful 12 years.

"There is no offer on the table but if they made an offer it would be under consideration. But at the moment I still enjoy working for the Premier League and Uefa."

The 41-year-old Clattenburg was linked with a move to China this week after refereeing the finals of the European Championship, Champions League and FA Cup this year. Clattenburg was named referee of the year at a football awards ceremony earlier this week in Dubai, an accolade which allowed Clattenburg to give a rare interview.

Clattenburg hopes when his career in the Premier League eventually ends he will be able to help a country like China raise refereeing standards.

"Money has never been a driver as a referee ... It's about the drive of doing something different, maybe helping the recruitment," Clattenburg said. "If it didn't happen now I will be looking in the future at that, a bit like Howard Webb has done (in Saudi Arabia) where you are helping another country develop refereeing.

Mark Clattenburg has been targeted by the Chinese Super League over a future move (Getty)

"It's important to have the right quality of referee to go with the level of football. China is going to become a huge player in years to come ... If they want to be serious about their league they are going to have to have the right setup. Refereeing is a huge part of football."

AP