Fears are growing among the refereeing hierarchy that top official Mark Clattenburg will quit the Premier League this year.

Talk has intensified in officiating circles in recent days and Sportsmail understands that an offer from the United States could appeal to the 41-year-old, while there is also interest from China and the Middle East.

It is said that Clattenburg is becoming increasingly tired of the level of scrutiny which follows high-profile decisions, such as his failure to disallow Alexis Sanchez's handball goal during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Hull on Saturday.

Fears are growing that the Premier League may lose referee Mark Clattenburg this year

He is said to becoming frustrated at the scrutiny referees come under in English football

He subsequently pulled out of an engagement at the North East Football Writers' Dinner on Sunday evening where he was due to receive an award.

And the County Durham-born whistler will not be short of lucrative offers given his standing as the best referee in Europe.

Clattenburg admitted in December that a move to China was an option.

'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?' he said.

The referee's stock rose considerably in 2016 as he took charge of the Champions League final

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'There is no offer on the table but if they made an offer it would be under consideration.'

However, it is opportunities in Major League Soccer which look set to present themselves in the immediate future.

Former Premier League official Howard Webb has recently been hired to oversee the introduction of video assistant referees in MLS.

He has twice been interviewed for the head of referees position and his involvement could open doors for other English officials.

Clattenburg's reputation has scaled new heights in the past 12 months having taken charge of both the Champions League and Euro 2016 finals.

He has refereed in the top flight since 2004 and was appointed to the FIFA International List two years later.

He is the only English referee on the World Cup shortlist for Russia 2018 and that could yet have a bearing on his future plans.