Johan Mjallby considers Celtic move for Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez

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Johan Mjallby has told the Scotsman that he believes Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez could be lured to Parkhead as Brendan Rodgers’ long-term replacement.

Celtic are yet to announce whether Neil Lennon will remain at the club as the permanent manager. He remains in an interim role but has come under criticism of late from Hoops fans.

Many are frustrated with the lack of attacking freedom that we saw under Rodgers. Celtic have only scored nine goals in the seven games in which Lennon has taken charge.

Benitez is in the final few months of his contract at Newcastle United and is said to earn a whopping £77,000 a week (Express), but Celtic legend Mjallby reckons the Scottish champions can lure him to St. James’ Park.

“Why not? You can’t talk Celtic down,” Mjallby said. “Even if you have been the manager of big clubs in other major leagues, the pressure you have as a Celtic manager is enormous.

“[Roberto] Martinez has never won a title, for example. [Andre] Villas-Boas and Benitez have done but, at Parkhead, you have the chance to win trophies every year. The ambition should also be to make Celtic great in Europe again.”

TBR’s view

Lennon’s time in charge is seeing Celtic edge more and more away from handing a permanent role and looking to appoint someone else. Martinez’s agent ruled his client out of a move, while Marco Rose has joined Gladbach.

Benitez, meanwhile, would be an excellent choice – if the Hoops could raise enough funds to meet his salary requirements. Steven Gerrard was Benitez’s captain at Liverpool.

The Newcastle boss has shown just how good he is at St. James’ Park over the last three seasons. It would be a crime if Newcastle do not offer him a new deal – but Celtic could profit.