Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is not in the frame to replace Neil Lennon as Celtic manager, according to BBC columnist Guillem Balague.
The Spanish football journalist, who has close connections with Benitez, says that the 60-year-old is currently resting after resigning as manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional earlier this week and he is not considering an immediate return to management, despite already receiving offers:
Rafael Benitez will not be Celtic or Newcastle’s new manager – a wee chat with @BBCSport
https://t.co/2UVhil0Kwg— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 24, 2021
One bookmaker has suspended betting on Benitez becoming the Hoops’ next boss but that seems to be premature following Balague’s comments. Even so, the ex Liverpool boss still leads the odds at the bookies, with Eddie Howe second favourite.
Lennon’s assistant John Kennedy is third in line, while Hibernian boss Jack Ross is fourth favourite. Former Celtic midfielder Roy Keane is fifth in the running but, as things stand, it does appear Lennon will remain in the post for a while longer yet.