Newcastle United have again been linked with a move for Pepe Reina.
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has been quoted by The Mirror as saying that he has no intention of signing Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina this month.
The Magpies sit three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone after their weekend draw with Swansea City, and have been dealt a blow tonight by the club’s planned takeover falling apart.
Manager Benitez is still therefore in the dark over his transfer budget this month, and with just over two weeks to go until the end of the transfer window, Newcastle need reinforcements quickly.
Pepe Reina
One area that Benitez is looking to strengthen is between the sticks, as he spent 2017 giving chances to both Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow, but neither could really prove themselves as a top goalkeeper.
Newcastle have subsequently been linked with a host of goalkeepers, and Pepe Reina – an old favourite of Benitez – has once again been touted for a move to Tyneside.
The Mirror report that Newcastle explored a deal to bring Reina to St. James’ Park, but given that he is valued at around £7.5million, the Napoli stopper is seemingly out of Benitez’s price range.
Benitez and Reina worked together at both Liverpool and Napoli, with the 35-year-old potentially open to reuniting with his former boss if the finances were a little easier to manage.
Now, Benitez has been quoted as saying that he has a ‘strong bond’ with Reina, but he doesn’t have any plans to sign him this month – though whether that’s by choice or forced upon him due to budget restrictions is another matter.
“I have a strong bond with Pepe but we don’t have any intention to sign him,” said Benitez.
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