Rafa turns to fringe players at former club Real Madrid in search of a transfer breakthrough

The Chronicle report this morning that Rafa Benitez has made contact with his former club Real Madrid, and is looking to do business for any fringe players or youngsters that they may be willing to send out on loan this summer.

Rafa Benitez is understood to have extensive contacts in La Liga and will know Real Madrid better than most having managed at the Bernabeu prior to his move to Tyneside.

It is claimed in the Chronicle that Benitez has asked about the potential availability of fringe and youth players at Madrid, with back-up goalkeeper Kiko Casilla being monitored by the Spaniard as he looks to recruit a goalkeeper this summer.

Promising youngsters Marcos Llorente and Mariano Diaz had also been previously linked with a loan move to St. James' Park.

https://twitter.com/NUFC_Index/status/879209123287576576

It's clear that Benitez had hoped to be reunited with Pepe Reina from Napoli, but his £5m asking price has been deemed too high for a 34-year-old. Second choice goalkeeping target Willy Caballero has also opted for Chelsea, hence Rafa's interest in the Real Madrid stopper Casilla.

Rafa has opted against going on holiday this summer and instead appears to be doing all he can to add to his squad - it's time for Charnley and co to take a leaf out of Benitez's book and start making things happen.