Newcastle United are still struggling to stay up in the Premier League in their returning campaign to the English top tier but also preparing for the next season and identifying summer transfer targets who will help them achieve stability in the league. The Magpies manager, Rafael Benitez, is reportedly keen to bring in iconic Iker Casillas in goal whose contract with F.C. Porto is set to expire this summer and the Spaniard is unwilling to extend his stay despite requests from club’s president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa. The ex-Real Madrid custodian’s move is still on cards at St. James Park but the veteran Spanish gaffer must figure out alternate targets in case he misses out on the legendary Spaniard.
The Tyneside outfit already have Karl Darlow and Rob Elliott in their squad, but the surprise winter signing Martin Dubravka ( joined on loan from Sparta Prague with an option to buy at the end of the season) is now being preferred by Benitez following his inspiring display against Manchester United ( The Magpies won 1-0) on Premier League debut. Yet, the boss is eyeing someone with the experience of the highest order and should try to land one of these three resources mentioned below:
Pepe Reina
Age: 35
Current Club: S.S.C Napoli
Country: Spain
Reina will be out of contract this summer but is still going strong at the age of 35 and currently in contention to draw an end to Juventus’ Serie A dominance. His side Napoli has been majestic and the veteran Spaniard is their ‘number 1’ between the sticks all season. Although he is a prime transfer target of A.C. Milan, the possibility of a reunion with his ex-Liverpool and Napoli mentor Rafael Benitez should not be written off. Benitez too must express his desire to reunite with his disciple if he is truly planning to bring in a renowned veteran in goal.
Wayne Hennessey
Age: 31
Current Club: Crystal Palace
Country: Wales
Hennessey is no match for Pepe Reina’s name and fame, but the Welshman is the first-choice custodian for both his club and country and will be out of contract this summer. The Eagles, currently in the drop zone, are struggling hard to stay up in the league but unlikely to offer Hennessey a new deal as they have already lined up his alternative in form of Vicente Guaita, the Getafe custodian, who will be joining them in summer on a Bosman transfer. They have also brought in Brazilian Diego Cavalieri on a short-term deal and Hennessey will be in demand when his contract expires in a few months time. His profound Premier League experience will make him a man in demand among many league counterparts and Newcastle United must grab this opportunity to lure him in.
Michel Vorm
Age: 34
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Country: Netherlands
Vorm was at his peak when he completed his surprise move to Spurs from Swansea City back in 2014 and became second-fiddle to Hugo Lloris ever since. His international opportunities also dried up as soon as he sacrificed his regular game-time and has been handed only 11 Premier League appearances (41 altogether) during his tenure in North London. Vorm will be out of contract this summer but there will be recruiters who will prefer to have someone of his calibre in their squad. Newcastle United should also join the race and try to strike a deal at the earliest.
