Watford snap-up Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis on season-long loan deal
Greek No 1 was also on radar of both Newcastle and Crystal Palace, and is sure to provide stiff competition for Heurelho Gomes
WATFORD have signed Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis on loan until the end of the season.
The Hornets, like Udinese owned by the same Pozzo family, beat off competition from Newcastle and Crystal Palace to sign the 32-year-old Greek.
Napoli had also shown interest in the shot-stopper who moved to Udinese from Granada in 2013 for a fee of £671,000.
But then he was sent back on loan to Granada - then owned by the Pozzo family, too.
Udinese had wanted to keep hold of Karnezis but the player was keen to leave the club this summer.
The deal is seen as a way of keeping all parties happy.
The Greek stopper - who has 42 international caps - was one of the finest shot-stoppers in Serie A in 2016/17, making 33 appearances in total.
Karnezis has appeared more than 100 times for the Italian outfit in the last three seasons.
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But he was not been included in either of Udinese's opening two league squads in readiness for an imminent move.
Newcastle were also interested in taking him on loan, while Palace made enquires, too.
At Vicarage Road he will provide competition to current first choice Heurelho Gomes.
Watford fans can see their new man in action tonight, with the Greek No 1 likely to be between the sticks as his country take on Estonia.
Meanwhile, West Bromwich are ready to sign giant keeper Costel Pantilimon from Watford in a surprise move.
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