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Orestis Karnezis has emerged as a key target for Rafa Benitez
toon target

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

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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.

 Karnezis moved to Udinese in 2013 for a fee of £671,000, but he was sent on loan to Granada
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Karnezis moved to Udinese in 2013 for a fee of £671,000, but he was sent on loan to GranadaCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Karnezis has emerged as the top target for Rafa Benitez
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Karnezis has emerged as the top target for Rafa BenitezCredit: Rex Features

Last term's Championship winners have now switched their attention to the Greek international - according to Italian website Tuttomercatoweb.

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.

 Just 348 days after being relegated, Newcastle return to the Premier League
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Just 348 days after being relegated, Newcastle return to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has also labelled the Greek goalkeeper as a top target this summer
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Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has also labelled the Greek goalkeeper as a top target this summerCredit: AFP

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.

 Tim Krul has been banished from Benitez's side to go and train with U23's
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Tim Krul has been banished from Benitez's side to go and train with U23'sCredit: PA:Empics Sport


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