Newcastle Utd News

£7.65million-rated Newcastle-linked wonder open to Premier League switch – report

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Mike Ashley needs to get Rafa Benitez’s contract situation sorted out soon if we are to win the race for OGC Nice wonder Walter Benitez, who has told The Sun he’s open to a Premier League switch.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper is currently attracting interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, and us, following a stellar campaign under Patrick Vieira – heading into the final Ligue 1 match of the term tonight.

In his 34 outings thus far, the former Argentina youth international has saved 110 of the 136 shots he has faced, which equates to 80%. That figure is higher than any other goalkeeper in Europe’s top-five leagues, despite facing more efforts than Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, and Inter Milan’s Samir Handanovic.

But despite his standout campaign with one game to play, a senior international call-up under Lionel Scaloni remains off the cards, having been overlooked for the upcoming Copa America.

Benitez, though, is keen to show he has what it takes to make it on the international stage, and is willing to move to England if that is what it takes to make his dream a reality.

“I worked very hard, and I would love to be at the Copa America, but it is the coach’s decision,” Benitez told The Sun.

“I like the Premier League. It’s a very important league, and I would like to play there one day. I don’t think that moving to England is the only way for me to be in the Argentinian team, because the main thing is my performances.

“But to play in the Premier League would probably be good for my chances in the national team. I have recently signed with Wasserman football agency, so I feel like my career is heading in the right direction.”

While Benitez is open to moving to England to further his footballing career, The Sun do not suggest what sort of fee Nice will hold out for. TransferMarkt, though, consider the General San Martin-born star at £7.65million.

The 6 ft 3 goalkeeper – becoming known as ‘The Wall’ – is also only on a £9,494-a-week contract at the Allianz Riviera according to Capology.

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