Rafa Benitez has become the third candidate for the Celtic job to drop out of contention over the last 24 hours.
On Monday Steve Clarke and Graham Potter were appointed as the new manager’s of Scotland and Brighton having been among the many linked with replacing Brendan Rodgers.
Last week Benitez was being strongly linked with the Celtic vacancy with no sign of a breakthrough over a new deal at Newcastle following lengthy talks with owner Mike Ashley.
This afternoon however The Sun reports:
RAFA BENITEZ has agreed to stay at Newcastle, according to reports in Italy.
Calcio Mercato and Tuttosport claim the Magpies boss – who has gone from frontrunner to 7/1 fourth favourite for the Celtic job this week – will remain at St James’ Park.
Neil Lennon and Davie Moyes seem to be the main contenders for the job although there hasn’t been any comment from within Celtic since Lennon was appointed as caretaker at the end of February.
The caretaker boss seems to be fully involved in recruitment for next season with Rekeem Harper reportedly at Celtic Park on Sunday after being watched by Neil Lennon playing for West Brom last week.
As soon as the Scottish Cup Final is completed there will be an expectancy on the Celtic board to announce the new manager.
The close season barely lasts a fortnight with the Champions League draw on June 18, the first pre-season match in Austria is played on June 26 with the first leg of the first Champions League qualifier falling on July 9 or 10.
