toon target

Newcastle join Napoli in the race to sign Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis from Udinese

By Joe Miles

29th July 2017, 3:40 pm

Updated: 29th July 2017, 3:54 pm

NEWCASTLE UNITED have reportedly been linked with a £3.6m move for Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis.

Toon boss Rafa Benitez is determined to bring a new face in between the posts following his club’s promotion last season.

Getty Images - Getty

Karnezis moved to Udinese in 2013 for a fee of £671,000, but he was sent on loan to Granada

Rex Features

Karnezis has emerged as the top target for Rafa Benitez

Last term’s Championship winners have now switched their attention to the Greek international – according to Italian website .

Benitez has been linked with Pepe Reina, Willy Caballero and Adrian this summer, but no deal has materialised for them.

After questioning the ability of Karl Darlow, the former-Liverpool manager is keen to sign another keeper.

Benitez’s former club Napoli are also scrambling for the 32-year-old’s signature.

However, Maurizio Sarri’s side have identified Real Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli’s top target.

Despite being the Italian outfit’s first choice shot-stopper last season, Karnezis has expressed his desire to leave.

Getty Images - Getty

Just 348 days after being relegated, Newcastle return to the Premier League

AFP

Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has also labelled the Greek goalkeeper as a top target this summer

The introduction of a new goalkeeper at Newcastle will provide competition for first choice shot-stopper Rob Elliot.

Benitez has also told 29-year-old goalkeeper Tim Krul that he has no future at Newcastle – forcing him to train with the U23s.

Karnezis has appeared more than 100 times for the Italian outfit in the last three seasons.

The 32-year-old has been capped 42 times for the Greece international side, so he would arrive at St James’ Park armed with experience.

PA:Empics Sport

Tim Krul has been banished from Benitez’s side to go and train with U23’s