Rafa Benitez has been linked with the manager’s job at Celtic but it’s a “non-starter” because of his wages, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.
He said he had been asked by “a number of Celtic-supporting friends” about the Benitez links with Celtic.
He added that Benitez was due to meet Newcastle bosses this week “hoping to agree a new contract”.
A number of Celtic-supporting friends asking about Rafa Benítez ‘link’ to their manager vacancy. Rafa meeting Newcastle bosses this week hoping to agree a new contract, plus his current wages make Celtic a non-starter.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) May 14, 2019
OPINION
This should come as a big relief to Newcastle fans, although it always seemed unlikely that Benitez would consider a move to Scotland after his work at Newcastle. He obviously has a deep affection for the Premier League club and the fans absolutely adore him. Butting heads with Mike Ashley is part of the job but the fact he’s meeting this week and hoping to sign a new contract is a big boost for supporters. Celtic fans would have been in dreamland if Benitez had joined, after already punching above their weight with Brendan Rodgers, but it’s not going to happen. If Benitez did decide to leave Newcastle he would have any number of big clubs lining up to offer him the job. We imagine he will get at least part assurance on his demands for transfer this summer and a bumper new contract for a year. Mike Ashley knows how caluable he is and if there’s one thing Ashley isn’t, it’s daft.