Former Celtic player and assistant manager Johan Mjallby believes Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez could be attracted to a move to Parkhead.

The Spaniard’s contract at St James’ Park expires at the end of the season, with the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss no closer to signing a new deal.

When asked about the possibility of Benitez moving north of the border in the summer, Mjallby replied:

“Why not? You can’t talk Celtic down. Obviously, Rangers have had difficult years but they are massive clubs and either one of them should win the league every year.”

“But even if you have been the manager of big clubs in other major leagues, the pressure you have as a Celtic manager is enormous. But you have the chance to win trophies every year at Parkhead.”

Benitez would likely ask for a significant transfer budget to consider moving to Celtic Park. He is an ambitious manager who would want to get the club back competing in the Champions League.

Whether his ambitions would be matched by the Scottish club’s board, it remains doubtful. Still, the ex-Real Madrid manager was tempted by the Newcastle job, despite their subsequent relegation to the English Championship.

He would be given the freedom to build a long-term project, something he does seek out in managerial roles, but financial restrictions could prove a major stumbling block.