Newcastle reportedly eyeing free transfer for player Rafa Benitez hailed in 2014

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Newcastle United have reportedly made contact with the agent of Napoli star Dries Mertens over a move to St. James’ Park this summer – and Rafa Benitez is clearly a fan on the attacker, heaping enormous praise on him in 2014.

Mertens, 32, is yet to sign a new contract with Napoli where he worked with Rafa Benitez for two years between 2013 and 2015. ESPN claim Newcastle have opened negotiations with the player’s representatives.

The Belgian star, who has an enormous 90 caps for Belgium, has scored a whopping 121 goals for Napoli in 311 appearances in all competitions. He is regarded as one of the best forwards in European football, and has netted 12 times this season.

Speaking about Mertens back in 2014 during his stint as Napoli manager, former Toon boss Benitez described the striker as an “exemplary professional”. The duo could now reunite on Tyneside, with Benitez also linked with a return.

“I know Dries very well, I know perfectly what he can do here in Italy, he is learning to perform proficiently in his mission in the defensive phase,” Benitez told Goal six years ago. “He is an exemplary professional who still can improve and give us even more of the many things that he is already giving us.”

TBR’s view – Can Newcastle really lure Mertens to SJP?

Mertens has always been adamant that he would not leave Napoli, but with less than three months remaining on his contract, a move is likely. Newcastle have as much chance as any, given their potential new owners.

Benitez has tried to sign Mertens since his Napoli exit on two occasions. Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad claimed Benitez wanted Mertens at Newcastle in 2017, while also trying to sign him for current side Dalian Yifang.

If Benitez moves to Newcastle, there is surely a strong chance that Mertens could follow him.