Benitez’s new
Reina keeps managers guessing over move RETAINED LIST TELLS US ABOUT RAFA STRATEGY
NEWCASTLE United transfer target Pepe Reina’s future remains uncertain – with Valencia’s highly rated goalkeeper having now even offered his services to Napoli this summer.
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is believed to have explored the possibility of a third reunion with Reina at St James’ Park, having already signed the 34-year-old for Liverpool and then Napoli.
But United have baulked at Napoli’s £5m asking price for a player who has only one year left on his contract.
Benitez remains keen to bring in a goalkeeper, however, and has looked into the possibility of signing free agent Willy Caballero, who was released by Manchester City last month, if he cannot prise Reina away from the Stadio San Paolo.
Interestingly, although Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has stressed publicly he hopes to keep the former World Cup-winning goalkeeper, the club’s owner is believed to have annoyed Reina by ridiculing him for some mistakes he made during the 2016/17 campaign at an end-of-season party.
Now, Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves – who has reportedly been scouted by the Serie A club – has made it clear through his representatives that he would welcome a move to Italy, something which could then allow Reina to depart Napoli.
Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Alves’ agent Graziano Battistini said: “We are seeking top level options for his future because he needs new motivation and adrenaline.
“He’s a very high-level goalkeeper and deserves a top club – no offence to Valencia – and Napoli fit the bill. It’s too early to say if Napoli are thinking of him, but if Reina were to leave, then in terms of character, level and experience, Diego Alves would be perfectly suited to the role.” Pepe Reina of Napoli IT appeared as if the unveiling of Newcastle United’s retained list would merely confirm that some of the Magpies’ longest-serving players would depart this summer as Rafa Benitez went about ensuring he had a Premier League-quality squad at his disposal. Yet actually the list containing those players released – and, in particular, one who is in negotiations to extend his St James’ Park stay – has raised more questions than answers for supporters. There is no doubt at all that the news Yoan Gouffran’s representatives remain in discussions with the club over a potential new contract has come as a surprise to most. The Frenchman started the 2016/17 campaign in positive fashion, he contributed to the Magpies’ Championship title victory – yet, by the end of the sea- son, his impact had appeared to wane. Repeatedly over the course of the past year, Benitez has refused to be drawn on either Gouffran or Vurnon Anita’s respective futures – merely revealing that negotiations had taken place with both players’ representatives.
Yet the decision to release Anita and potentially keep Gouffran hints at where Benitez and Newcastle are confident they will be able to strengthen the squad in the transfer market this summer, and where they feel needs a surety.
For Anita – a player who Benitez rates highly and trusts inherently – to have been released, an alternative must have already been identified.
The Dutchman is nominally a defensive-midfielder, but he can also operate as a right-back as he was primarily used last season.
With DeAndre Yedlin and Jamie Sterry already on the books, Anita’s opportunities in defence are likely to be limited – particularly if another player who can slot in at right-back, such as Arsenal’s Calum Chambers, arrives this summer.
There have also been whispers that Benitez is hoping to create a team who can shift systems far more seamlessly.
Currently, his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation has been primarily utilised, but the in-vogue 3-4-3 system used by many Premier League and European sides is believed to have been tested out