Rafael Benitez has insisted there was never an offer from Celtic to take over as their manager although it is a role he would be interested in taking in the future.
The Spaniard is currently in an ongoing contract saga with his current side Newcastle, with his deal expiring at the end of June with no deal set in place for after that timescale so far.
Speaking after an interview with Benitez, ITV journalist Peter Smith revealed on his personal Twitter account that the former Liverpool man was aware of the link to the Hoops. Smith wrote: “He told me there were no talks held with Celtic, but he was very aware of being linked with the job.”
He told me there were no talks held with Celtic, but he was very aware of being linked with the job.
— Peter A Smith (@PeterAdamSmith) June 2, 2019
Smith went on to add: “He said it is a job that interests him for future but he decided now wasn’t the best time to put his hat in the ring.”
Celtic recently confirmed that Neil Lennon would continue as permanent manager at the club for 12 months after impressing in his time as interim boss – where he secured the Hoops’ famous treble treble.
OPINION
This was a strange link in the previous months but began to make more sense as it carried on for both parties. After Brendan Rodgers had created such a formidable Celtic side who seemed more untouchable than ever and when he left the club, a big hole was left in his wake. Rumoured candidates to take over did include Jose Mourinho, so maybe the Benitez link was definitely more likely. The Spaniard has endured a turbulent few years under Mike Ashley, who has failed to significantly back his manager for quite some seasons and the possibility of moving to a club so dominant who will open there cheque book could tickle his fancy should the move pop up again. Celtic would gain a Champions League winner with a vast amount of experience in return in which would be a great move by the club. Any potential deal will have to wait a year though, with Neil Lennon taking over the reigns permanently for another shot at glory.