Charlie Smith 
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport
Rafael Benitez has been a name linked with Celtic in recently.
Reports last month went as far as saying he was in line to become Hoops boss, with that position now open following Neil Lennon’s resignation on Wednesday.
The 60-year-old called time on his spell in charge of Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional just last month and remains out of work.
And now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by Area Napoli and translated by Sports Witness, Benitez would rather wait until the summer before making a return to management following an approach from Napoli.
To us, that could well work in Celtic’s favour, should they show a serious interest in Benitez over the coming months.
The Hoops don’t exactly have much to play for between now and the end of the season, with John Kennedy placed in interim charge of the team.
That may well mean the club could be happy to wait until the summer to appoint Lennon’s permanent successor, whereas Napoli are looking for immediate results to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
A summer overhaul is expected at Parkhead both on and off the field, with the Hoops looking to bring in a newly-created sporting director. So, should Celtic put out the feelers to Benitez ahead of a summer move, they may well have a chance of hiring the Spaniard, should he be interested, of course.
