Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has indicated that he is interested in signing Napoli goalkeeper
Pepe Reina, with whom he worked both at Liverpool and in Naples, in the summer.
Reina, 34, would be likely to cost Newcastle around £4 million and could be one of around six signings made by Benitez as he overhauls his squad for their return to the Premier League.
AS quoted the Magpies boss as saying: “I have a great relationship with Reina, a magnificent goalkeeper. Pepe is a great player and, above all, a leader in the changing room.
“We greatly missed him in Napoli the year that he left to play for Bayern Munich — he is someone who makes a difference on and off the pitch.
“Would
I sign him for Newcastle if he left? I have a lot of respect for Napoli
and he belongs to that club. We must be calm, speak to the club and
decide what our aims are.”
If Reina arrives, one of Newcastle’s current keepers — Tim Krul, Karl Darlow or Matz Sels — is likely to depart.Meanwhile, the Newcastle Chronicle reported that Benitez has postponed a holiday in order to make as much progress in the transfer market as soon as he can.
He has brought in Christian Atsu from Chelsea on a permanent deal and is eager to add at least another five players before preseason training begins.
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