Jump directly to the content
LOOKS LIKE REIN AGAIN

Rafa Benitez back in for Pepe Reina as Newcastle boss counts on Mike Ashley to support transfer-window spree

BOSS Rafa Benitez will make a new move to sign Pepe Reina.

And Benitez is banking on Newcastle owner Mike Ashley being pushed into doing the deal.

Pepe Reina could yet be reunited with his former Liverpool and Napoli boss Rafa Benitez
5
Pepe Reina could reunite with his former Liverpool and Napoli boss Rafa BenitezCredit: AFP or licensors

Benitez has wanted his old Liverpool and Napoli keeper for months only to be frustrated.

But the Spaniard is counting on Ashley funding the move because of doubts about the coach’s future if he fails to keep him happy.

Benitez has told the Toon hierarchy he wants to spend his available funds on a No 1 plus a striker on loan.

Newcastle have roughly £10million to invest on a keeper and £100,000-a-week wages to offer the right scorer. But Benitez wants a little extra to secure Reina.

Magpies chief Rafa Benitez has been trying to sign fellow Spaniard Pepe Reina for months
5
Magpies chief Rafa Benitez has been trying to sign Pepe Reina for monthsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Pepe Reina is still one of the most respected keepers in Europe
5
Pepe Reina is still one of the most respected keepers in Europe at the age of 35Credit: Reuters

Napoli will hold out for more than £10m and Reina is also on a major salary.

But Benitez thinks he is worth the outlay.


RIFF RAF Furious Jonjo Shelvey snubs Rafa Benitez’s handshake after being subbed in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Swansea


Ashley knows that his manager could walk if he is unsuccessful in signing players in this window.

The coach’s stock is high and he could find another job pretty quickly.

Newcastle 1-1 Swansea: Substitute Joselu equalises with first touch of the game to pile the pressure on struggling Swans
Napoli keeper Pepe Reina spent nine years in the Premier League with Liverpool
5
Napoli keeper Pepe Reina spent nine years in the Premier League with LiverpoolCredit: AFP or licensors
Rafa Benitez has made recruiting Pepe Reina and a top loan striker as his priorities
5
 Rafa Benitez has made recruiting Pepe Reina and a top loan striker as his prioritiesCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Newcastle’s chances of landing striker Danny Ings from Liverpool are rated at “10 per cent” by insiders, while West Ham would like to sell Diafra Sakho rather than lend him to Benitez.

Newcastle tried to throw Chancel Mbemba into a swap for Sakho, but David Moyes does not fancy the Congo defender.

Everton and Besiktas have shown an interest in Sakho, but Hammers want a fee.



JANUARY SALES Alexis Sanchez leaving Arsenal, West Ham target Alfie Mawson while Man United want Ryan Sessegnon… Here’s the top ten most likely Premier League transfers to happen in the next window


Topics