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Report: Newcastle face competition from Napoli for Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli but player makes preference clear

Rafael Benitez Manager (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Reports in Italy claim Napoli are ready to rival Newcastle United for goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on December 26, 2017 in Manchester, England.

Rafa Benitez has long been linked with the £15m-rated Real Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, as previously reported by the likes of The Sun.

According to reports Benitez sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old Argentinian and he earned rave reviews as he takes a starring role for Sociedad since joining them from Manchester City, where he failed to make the breakthrough.

Martin Dubravka was brought in on loan from Sparta Prague in January and has been hugely impressive for the Magpies.

Real Sociedad's goldkeeper from Argentina Gerónimo Rulli reacts during the UEFA Europa League football match Rosenborg BK v Real Sociedad on November 23, 2017 in Rosenborg, Norway.

But according to a report from Italian outlet Il Mattino Benitez remains keen on Rulli, although he faces competition from his old club Napoli.

The good news for Newcastle, though, is that Il Mattino claim a move to Italy is ‘complicated’ as the player himself ‘hopes to continue his adventure in the English top flight’.

Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Bournemouth, England.

Rulli is hoping to make Argentina’s World Cup squad and could well attract offers from bigger clubs come the summer.

But that time the Magpies will have to make a decision on the future of Dubravka, who himself may attract interest from elsewhere if his current form continues.

The goalkeeper position has been a real problem for Newcastle in recent seasons despite Rob Elliot admirably papering over the cracks.