Rafa Benitez has ruled himself out of taking a role at his former club Napoli, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Serie A side’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis wanted the Spaniard to return to the club he managed between 2013 and 2015, in the capacity of technical director.

However, Benitez is still keen to remain in the dugout, with the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle manager currently looking for a new job after leaving Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Celtic have been mentioned as one possible destination.

With Neil Lennon having resigned as manager, the club are considering potential replacements, but whether the Spaniard would be a genuine candidate, it remains to be seen.

Benitez is currently seventh favourite to take over at Parkhead, with one of the major concerns being that he would demand a sizeable budget in order to overhaul the current playing squad, which has performed so poorly this season.