Newcastle United have been dealt a major blow in their reported pursuit of goalkeeper Pepe Reina, as the player’s agent has ruled out a summer move.
Gazetto dello Sport contributor and beIN correspondent Tancredi Palmeri claimed on his personal Twitter account on Thursday that Newcastle had agreed personal terms with the Spanish international goalkeeper.
Newcastle have found agreement on personal terms with Reina. Only thing to solve is Reina still not certain whether to leave Napoli or not
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) June 1, 2017
The Mirror had earlier reported that Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was eyeing a reunion with his former Liverpool stopper, who is facing an uncertain future at Italian Serie A outfit Napoli.
But Reina’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon has rushed to deny claims that his 34-year-old client has agreed a move to St. James’ Park, insisting that he will instead see out his contract in Italy.
He said, as quoted by the Chronicle: “Pepe will stay at Napoli until the end of his contract. Certain issues have nothing to do with what happens on the pitch and do not interest us.
“He is staying at Napoli until 2018.”
Reina kept 14 clean sheets from 48 appearances in all competitions, and was identified as a potential summer target by Newcastle as Benitez eyes up talent with Premier League experience.
The goalkeeper was said to have been facing an uncertain future at Napoli, after it was claimed that his wife had been caught up in a social media row with Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis, following a dinner party joke.
But Reina’s agent has poured cold water on the situation, stating that the goalkeeper’s future will not be determined by off-field issues, and that he will see out the remainder of his one-year deal at Stadio San Paolo.