Perhaps it was inevitable that this summer Newcastle United would be linked with Pepe Reina, especially after he appeared to fall out with President De Laurentiis.
Napoli’s extrovert chief managed to upset Reina and the goalkeeper’s wife, with comments at a ceremony, and immediately there were doubts about the Spaniard’s future.
Rafael Benitez’s relationship with Reina, from the pair’s time together at Liverpool, meant the link was all too easy to make, especially with the Newcastle manager looking for Premier League experience.
It’s been useful for Reina, as he looks to get Napoli to offer a good contract extension. Italian newspaper Il Mattino report on Thursday that Reina’s renewal stand-off with Napoli continues, he wants a better offer and a longer deal, and Newcastle interest can help speed things up.
Whilst Reina may have fallen out with the club’s president, the fans and squad love him, and that’s been evident in recent days, explain Il Mattino, something which puts more pressure on Napoli.
De Laurentiis is likely going to have to sort his problems out with Reina and offer a renewal that’s worth accepting, otherwise there’s perhaps a small chance for Newcastle.
