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Transfer talk: Newcastle one of three destinations for Karnezis – agent

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OPINION

Newcastle are one of three Premier League clubs that could sign Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis this summer, according to his agent.

Italian website TuttoUdinese claimed back in May that the 32-year-old was interesting the Premier League trio back in March, with Watford owner Gino Pozzi valuing the 42-time Greece international at £8.5million.

Speaking to Italian outlet CalcioNapoli24, Karnezis’ agent Vasileios Panagiotakis has now claimed that Karnezis would join one of the three Premier League sides after Napoli dropped their interest.

“He’ll play for Watford, Newcastle or Crystal Palace. Links to Napoli are dead,” Panagiotakis said.

Last season, the former Panathinaikos stopper made 34 Udinese appearances and kept eight clean sheets, as his side finished way above the relegation zone in 13th place.

With two years remaining on his current Udinese contract, it is unclear whether Karnezis will remain with the Serie A side as the transfer deadline sits less than three weeks away.

Here, This Is Futbol considers whether the Toon can secure a move for the goalkeeper, and if he would be a good signing at St. James’ Park.

Good move for Newcastle?

Newcastle have been looking to sign a goalkeeper throughout the summer transfer window, but failed to lure either Pepe Reina or Willy Caballero to St. James’ Park with the latter joining Chelsea.

Benitez is likely to be eyeing a move for a new stopper with Tim Krul and Rob Elliot still recovering from a long-term knee injury, while Freddie Woodman could join Matz Sels in leaving the Toon on loan.

However, Ireland international Elliot starred during Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham, making excellent saves to deny Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen.

Benitez will have had his head turned away from the transfer market by Elliot, who could be used as the Toon’s number one. But if the Magpies do sign Karnezis, then they will be luring a top-class goalkeeper to St. James’ Park, even if he is not needed.

This Is Futbol rating: 6/10.

Likely to happen?

With Napoli no longer interested according to Karnezis’ agent, Newcastle are likely to be in pole position above Watford and Crystal Palace purely down to the size and stature of the club.

However, owner Mike Ashley has been keeping a very tight stronghold on the Newcastle coffers this summer and will have to be severely persuaded if he is to splash out Karnezis’ reported transfer fee of £8.5million.

Two years still remain on the goalkeeper’s contract and Udinese will have the final say on whether he is sold, who remains as the club’s first-choice stopper.

With Elliot also proving his worth on Sunday, it remains to be seen if Karnezis is at all needed on Tyneside.

This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.

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