According to reports, Newcastle United have turned their attention to Crystal Palace goalie Wayne Hennessey after Rafael Benitez faced repeated failures in landing the likes of Fernando Muslera and Adrian San Miguel over the whole summer.
With just three days to go, the Spaniard will have to make a panic move now, regardless of the cost and Crystal Palace’s first choice shot stopper seems like a safe option to invest on. The Welshman has been Eagles’ first choice for the past two seasons now and it will be difficult to convince the London club into selling him so late in the transfer window.
Whilst he has brought in Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo, Mikel Merino, Jacob Murphy and Joselu, Rafa still wants more before Thursday’s transfer deadline. The manager has been frustrated in the transfer market this summer owing to lack of funds. His feud with owner Mike Ashley is widely known and if Newcastle are to get in more players, he will have to sell.
Newcastle have started with the experienced Rob Elliot this season in the league with Karl Darlow taking a back seat. And although it didn’t go well for the Mags as they lost the opening two games, they go into the international break on a winning note over West Ham United. Benitez had given a chance to Darlow in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest that the Toon army lost 3-2.
Having sent Matz Sels on loan to Anderlecht, Darlow uncertain of his future and Tim Krul frozen out of the squad, Newcastle clearly need more competition at the top level. Although Hennessey isn’t the best player to give that position to, it seems like that’s the best option Benitez has right now.
Palace have shown an increasing interest in West Ham United’s Adrian and although their motive is to get him as a second choice, Hennessey could see that as a threat to his place. He would definitely get the first place over the ageing Rob Elliot at St. James’ Park and Benitez’s stature over a failing Frank De Boer could also be a factor.
Hennessey, however, had a nightmarish season last term and Palace’s poor back line has further worsened it this season. The Eagles had a nightmarish season in the league as they survived relegation by the skin of their teeth. They conceded a whopping 63 goals in 38 games though former manager Sam Allardyce had held Hennessey in high regards.
By the time Big Sam brought in Patrick Van Aanholt from Sunderland, Jefferey Schlupp from Leicester City and Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool on loan, Hennessey had already conceded many, courtesies to Alan Pardew’s back line that included Scott Dann, James Tomkins, Joel Ward. Hennessey ended with 46 goals in 29 appearances.
Hence, even if the deal goes through, it would be a big gamble for the Mags.
