Rafa Benitez has left his role at Dalian Professional which has sparked excitement amongst Celtic fans.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle boss was linked with the Celtic Park vacancy after Brendan Rodgers’ departed and there was a clamour from supporters to see the club try and tempt him to the Scottish Premiership.
Whether that was ever financially realistic is debatable and the Spaniard headed to China after receiving a big money offer from Dalian.
The 60-year-old had a year remaining on his bumper £12million-a-year contract and had been in discussions with the club about extending his stay.
However, he has now decided to explore other opportunities and can speak to other clubs.
Benitez’s family are still based in Merseyside so a return to the UK could appeal to the 2005 Champions League winning coach.
Neil Lennon is under severe pressure after a poor season and fans have been calling for the Northern Irishman to be relieved of his duties at Celtic Park.
Former Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe has been installed as the bookies’ favourite to become The Hoops’ next manager.
However, Benitez’s availability is likely to result in more calls from the Parkhead faithful for the club to consider him.
Those will no doubt be replicated on Tynecastle, with Newcastle fans wanting Steve Bruce out and would love to see Benitez return to St James' Park.
On Twitter, @ROS8867 said: “Rafa Benitez to Celtic give it to me and give it to me now”
@StevieD_9 added: “All I want is Rafa Benitez as Celtic manager and a bag of cans.”
@Jinky20073 tweeted: “The Celtic board and DD in particular should be doing everything possible to bring Benitez to the club. If you don’t ask…”
@LBrad88 said: In all seriousness, if @CelticFC aren’t already making contact with Rafa Benitez, there’s something very wrong. That is where our level of ambition should be. Some might say I’m being unrealistic but I can’t apologise for wanting the very best for our club in every way possible.
