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Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is aware of the challenges that his side face next season in their quest to retain a position in the Premier League, which has led to a flurry of links on the transfer market.
The Magpies stormed to Championship success last season but are seeking recruits to help them remain competitive in the top-flight, with one of Benitez’ priorities including signing a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Tim Krul.
Krul spent the season on-loan in Holland last term, initially with Ajax before moving on to AZ Alkmaar in January, but returns to St. James’ Park this summer and is likely to stand as Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, Newcastle want competition for the 29-year-old Dutch international and France Football reports that Benitez is considering a €15m swoop for Paris Saint-Germain’s second-choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Could it happen?
The 24-year-old is an established member of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad, standing as understudy to German goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, and any departure would mean the French side would need to sign a replacement- regardless of whether they complete a move for RC Lens goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez.
Areola’s demands for regular first-team football could force PSG’s hands though and it’s understood that the Frenchman is Benitez’ priority signing between the sticks, despite being linked with the services of Manchester City’s Joe Hart and Napoli veteran Pepe Reina.
A fee of €15m is certainly affordable for Newcastle and it would be a significant coup for the club, as Areola has been linked with an array of top sides during the past 12 months and would be considered to be a key-player over the course of the coming years.
Crucially, a move could help Areola in his quest to force his way into France’s senior squad- having been called up to Didier Deschamps’ side on numerous occasions but thus far failing to make his debut for Les Bleus.
