Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes Rafa Benitez will be looking to "rest" after leaving Chinese side Dalian Pro.
It's been an explosive 24 hours for the 60-year-old since departing the Super League side as he was installed as the betting favourite to become Celtic's next manager on Saturday.
And now the Sunday Mirror claim the former Liverpool and Newcastle boss is set to succeed Neil Lennon in Glasgow with the reigning Premiership champions 23 points behind fierce rivals Rangers.
But Balague isn't convinced a move to Celtic is imminent and believes Benitez will mull over any offers that come his way after his return from China.
He said: "Rafa Benitez to Celtic? There was interest in him but not an option today.
"He's going to rest for a bit, despite offers (from Germany, also a national side)
"By the way, about Celtic: there is a false document doing the rounds (check the phone number)."
Benitez is widely regarded as one of the best tacticians in the modern era with his side's consistently reaching the latter stages of the Champions League and Europa League.
The former Valencia boss is revered by Liverpool and Newcastle fans for his wildly successful spells with both.
He admitted his departure from Dalian was in relation to the ongoing pandemic as he plots his next move in football.
He said: "Unfortunately, like so many things in the last year, COVID-19 has changed our lives and our projects. From today, both my coaching staff and I will sadly no longer be coaching Dalian.
"The pandemic is still here, for all of us, and supporting our families has been a priority when making this decision."
