OPINION
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez should focus on bringing former goalkeeper Shay Given back to St James’ Park in the summer transfer window.
The Times recently reported that the Magpies are set to suffer a massive transfer blow as former Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is going to snub them in order to join Premier League champions Chelsea this summer.
There has also been a lot of speculation linking Pepe Reina with a move to the newly-promoted Premier League side but it appears Newcastle are going to need to splash the cash in order to sign the former Liverpool goalkeeper.
And so far it seems that Benitez isn’t prepared to go to £5m.
With this in mind, Newcastle should do everything within their power to resign Given this summer.
The 41-year-old goalkeeper is currently a free agent after having been released by Stoke City at the end of last season.
Given only made five Premier League appearances for Mark Hughes’ side last season as he was the back-up option to first-choice keeper Lee Grant.
The former Republic of Ireland international knows exactly what it means to play for the Tyneside club as he made over 400 appearances for Newcastle during his 12-year stint at St James’ Park.
At his age, Given would understand that it is highly unlikely he can play on a weekly basis in the Premier League but his presence alone in the dressing room would be hugely beneficial to the current first choice keeper Karl Darlow, or any other younger keeper Benitez brings in.
It would also undoubtedly be a very popular choice amongst the Newcastle supporters who still consider Given to be an absolute legend at the club.