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Report: Newcastle haven’t given up pursuit of Pepe Reina, Benitez plans to test the water

Pepe Reina and Rafael Benitez (Reuters)
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Newcastle United are reportedly considering a new move for Pepe Reina.

Pepe ReinaPepe Reina

According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United remain keen on signing Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina – and manager Rafael Benitez could yet make another move for him.

The Magpies have a host of goalkeepers in their ranks, but Matz Sels looks set to leave the club after less than a year on Tyneside, whilst Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow don’t appear to be considered as first-choice material.

Spain's Pepe Reina warms up before the matchSpain’s Pepe Reina warms up

Another goalkeeper subsequently appears to be on Benitez’s radar, and it’s no great surprise to see him being linked with a move to sign Pepe Reina once again.

Benitez not only took his fellow Spaniard to Liverpool way back in 2005, but also reunited with him at Napoli in the summer of 2013, landing him on loan from Liverpool.

Pepe Reina and Rafael BenitezPepe Reina and Rafael Benitez

Reina returned to Napoli permanently in 2015 after a brief stint with Bayern Munich, but his time with the Italian side could be coming to an end this summer.

The Chronicle report that Reina has snubbed a new contract with Napoli, and Newcastle will now retain their interest in signing the 34-year-old shot stopper, with Benitez planning to ‘test the water’ with a new move for the World Cup winner.

Picture Supplied by Action ImagesNapoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina

Reina would give Newcastle a proven Premier League goalkeeper for the next few years, though his age may mean that Newcastle will again be looking for another goalkeeper in the near future.

His relationship with Benitez makes at least makes a deal possible, and the Magpies will now hope that they can convince Napoli to sell him before he can leave for free in the summer of 2018.

Would you like to see Newcastle sign Reina?