Rafa Benitez wants to complete Newcastle deals for Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina and Barcelona sensation Carles Alena, according to the Sun.
The report claims a reunion could be on the cards between Reina and Benitez at St. James’ Park following their Liverpool days, as the goalkeeper is at loggerheads with the club’s president over an argument with his wife.
Reina, 34, is said to be keen to work with Benitez again, after Aurelio De Laurentiis made a joke at a dinner party that saw Reina’s wife storm out.
Napoli’s number 25 produced 14 clean sheets in 47 league and cup encounters this season and could be available in a cut-price deal with only 12 months left on his current contract.
The Sun report that Benitez is also keen to sign Barcelona 19-year-old ‘babe’ Alena, after sending Toon spies to watch the central midfielder play for the Spanish giants’ second string.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss is willing to sign the teenage ace on a season-long loan or in a permanent move, despite making only four senior Barcelona appearances.
Similarly to Reina, the Spain Under-19 captain has just a year left on his contract at Nou Camp, and could also be allowed to leave on the cheap as Barca look to avoid losing one of their La Masia products on a free.
Benitez has already made a signing ahead of the summer transfer window, bringing in Christian Atsu to Tyneside on a permanent deal from Chelsea after starring on a season-long loan during their 2016-17 campaign.