Newcastle boss Benitez hints at an ambitious swoop for 34-year-old star

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has apparently opened the door for Pepe Reina to join the Magpies. Reina is reportedly unsettled at current club Napoli and his situation was not helped by the social media row that has taken place between a club director and the player’s wife.

Benitez and Reina had previously worked together at Liverpool. When asked about the reports that are linking Reina with the Magpies, Benitez said, “I have a great personal relationship with Reina — he’s a great goalkeeper.

“Pepe is a great player but above all a leader in the dressing room. We missed him at Napoli in the year he went to Bayern Munich — he can make a difference both on and off the pitch.”

Reina certainly has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt after having made 285 League appearances for Liverpool between 2005 and 2014. Benitez will know that should he sign the veteran Spanish goalkeeper, he will benefit in terms of adding quality and experience to his side.