Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has confessed he still maintains a 'great relationship' with Pepe Reina, and he would not deny bringing the Spaniard to St James' Park.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper, who spent time with Benitez at Anfield and his current club Napoli, is reportedly looking to leave the San Paolo after falling out with the Partenopei.

When questioned over the possibility of Reina moving to the Magpies, the Spaniard refused to deny it could happen.

He said: "I have a great personal relationship with Reina — he's a great goalkeeper.

"Pepe is a great player but above all a leader in the dressing room.

"We missed him at Napoli in the year he went to Bayern Munich — he can make a difference both on and off the pitch.

"Would I take him to Newcastle if he left? I respect Napoli — as that's where he is — and our club has a lot of goalkeepers who are doing well.

"We need to be calm, we'll talk to the club and decide on our targets."