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.
It’s also claimed Benitez committed his future to the English Premier League side after receiving assurances over transfer funds for next season.
Ex-Celts midfielder Craig Burley yesterday urged his old club to loosen the purse strings and go all out for the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Inter Milan gaffer, also linked with Roma, AC Milan and Juventus this month.
The Parkhead board is expected to make a decision on the club’s next permanent manager after this weekend’s Scottish Cup Final.
This week fellow ex-Stamford Bridge boss
Andre Villas-Boas re-emerged as the bookies’ favourite to land the Hoops hot seat.
Interim boss Neil Lennon (2/1) and David Moyes (7/2) are also in the mix.