Benitez set to hand FOUR players one 'last chance' to impress at NUFC over pre-season
According to The Chronicle, Rafa Benitez is ready to hand one last chance to Tim Krul, Siem De Jong and Henri Saivet and Emmanuel Riviere, giving the returning quartet the opportunity to impress in pre-season before making a decision on their futures.
Starting with Tim Krul. The Dutchman has had several injury setbacks over the years and returned to his homeland last season to gain first team football on loan with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar.
His character, professionalism and capability between the sticks could tempt Rafa to keep a hold of him this summer, but with several goalkeepers on our books, his days look numbered if Rafa decides to bring in a new number one .
Former Ajax captain Siem De Jong was seen as quite a coup when he arrived on Tyneside in 2014. Since then his torrid injury record has seen him make little to no impact at the club, however there is a belief that he has something to give if he can stay fit.
He bagged 7 goals in 12 starts on loan at PSV last season and with the number 10 position a problem position at Newcastle, it will be a boost to Benitez if De Jong can stay fit and look the part over pre-season.
Emmanuel Riviere and Henri Saivet are two of the surviving flops from Ligue 1, and both endured unsuccessful loans to Osasuna and St. Etienne last season. They may be given a chance, but it would be a remarkable turn-around if either resurrected their careers at Newcastle.
