Newcastle United are one of three Premier League teams in the hunt for highly-rated Nice goalkeeper Walter Benitez, according to Goal.
The outlet claims that Wolverhampton Wanderers currently lead the way for the 6ft 3in Argentinian [Source: Transfermarkt], but that the Magpies and Crystal Palace are interested as well.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the finest ‘keepers in Luge 1 this season, but has just one more year left on his contract once this campaign ends.
So far he has been disappointed by the renewal offers presented to him by Patrick Vieira’s side, potentially leading to a trip across the Channel for him.
OPINION
This is an interesting one from a Newcastle perspective, isn’t it? There’s no doubt that Benitez has been one of the best goalkeepers in France this term, so it’s somewhat surprising that Nice haven’t locked him down to a contract extension just yet. However, their failure to do so might mean a team like Newcastle could jump in and get him for a relatively bargain price this summer. We know that would appeal to owner Mike Ashley, don’t we? Having said that, there will obviously be fierce competition for the Magpies, here. Wolves would likely be able to outbid them for Benitez, whereas Palace can offer him a surer chance of first team football than he’d get at either St James’ Park or Molineux. Both Newcastle and Wolves have firmly entrenched number ones in Martin Dubravka and Rui Patricio, whereas the situation is more uncertain at Selhurst Park. Rafael Benitez’s team do need a back up shot-stopper if, as is expected, any of Karl Darlow, Freddie Woodman or Rob Elliot depart this summer, and so perhaps the manager’s namesake could be just the man.
