OPINION
Newcastle have reportedly asked Serie A outfit Udinese about the availability of goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis as they look to step up their summer recruitment in the final days of the transfer window.
Italian website TuttoUdinese claimed back in May that the 32-year-old stopper was interesting the Toon, along with Watford and Crystal Palace.
Now, the Daily Mail claimed in their transfer news blog (6.50pm) that the 42-time Greece international is the subject of an enquiry from Rafa Benitez’s side, with plenty of goalkeepers on the former Liverpool manager’s shortlist.
PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet is being considered, as well as Wales international Wayne Hennessey, while Spanish duo Adrian and Pepe Reina also remain as targets for Newcastle.
It is said that Udinese would rather sell their number 85, instead of loaning him to St. James’ Park with it yet to be seen what kind of offer Newcastle will table.
This Is Futbol examines how good a signing Karnezis would be on Tyneside, and if the clubs can secure a deal in the next three days before the end of the transfer window.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle need a goalkeeper despite having an abundance of options between the sticks. Rob Elliot is currently the Toon’s number one, but he is not considered Benitez’s long-term, first-choice goalkeeper.
Tim Krul is expected to leave the club before the end of the transfer window, while Karl Darlow is also seemingly surplus to requirements. Freddie Woodman is still unproven, while Matz Sels has joined Anderlecht on loan.
That should see Benitez look to strengthen between the sticks and Karnezis would certainly do that, offering a commanding presence from between the sticks and possessing reactions that are second to none.
The experienced ace would more than just improve the Toon on the field – his presence in the dressing room and knowledge of battling a relegation fight would be crucial as Newcastle look to avoid an instant return to the Championship.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
Udinese are seemingly willing to sell their number one goalkeeper, after starting 21-year-old starlet Simone Scuffet in goal for their first two Serie A outings.
The Toon are likely to have raised some cash for new signings after selling Siem de Jong and Manu Riviere, with plenty more expected to follow the attacking duo out of the exit door and that will give Newcastle the necessary funds to buy Karnezis.
Newcastle will have to convince the goalkeeper that a move to Tyneside is better than joining either Watford or Crystal Palace, but their reported decision to enquire over his availability has pushed the Magpies into pole position.
With only three days left in the window, though, Benitez must move fast if he is to land his man.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.