Newcastle refuse to sign Ragnar Klavan despite Rafa Benitez keen on him

Newcastle United appear to have missed out on one signing before the end of the transfer window and he could have helped improve them.

According to a report in the Newcastle Chronicle, Liverpool’s Ragnar Klavan was identified by Rafa Benitez as a player that he wanted to bolster his defence.

However, it has been claimed that the club were not prepared to sanction a move for the Estonia international.

It is understood that the Magpies board did not believe he would fit their criteria, with him being 32-years-old a concern to them.

Benitez is thought to be disappointed not to have landed Klavan as he felt the defender would have offered his side some much-needed cover at both centre-back and left-back.

The Spaniard would have felt confident of landing the 6ft 2in enforcer, as it is believed he will not play a main role with Liverpool in the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The Verdict:

Newcastle’s failure to land Klavan will certainly be another test of Benitez’s patience with the club, after he is believed to have become frustrated with the transfer business they conduct.

The arrival of Federico Fernandez will have helped to ease the blow in the centre-back department, however, there is a huge gap at left-back that will not be filled.

It will be a long season for the Magpies and there will be a sense of hopefulness that they do not come to regret their summer business once the season comes to an end.

Newcastle fans – thoughts?