GREECE DEFENDER LINKED WITH JANUARY MOVE TO NEWCASTLE

 

Premier League club Newcastle United have been linked with and tipped to make a January move for PAOK’ Greece international left-back Dimitris Giannoulis. Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has made it clear that he intends to fill up that position to create a better balance in the team, as well as competition for places in his setup.

Bruce made his intention of needing a new left-back known in the summer and tried his best to convince and pull Dimitris to Newcastle, but nothing ever materialized from the proposed deal.

The defender has been a pivotal player for PAOK in recent years helping the club secure a League Cup double in 2018. He also played a key role in their Europa League qualification into the group stages this term.

When Newcastle made inquiries about the defender in the summer his club demanded that the English Premier League outfit pay a sum in the region of £4 million – a fee Newcastle were not convinced to fork out.

Dimitris looked all set to leave PAOK in search of a new club with a new adventure and the touted destination then was Newcastle, but his hopes of securing a move away hit a snag and he remained at the club instead.

Newcastle decided to make a move for the second option in Norwich City left-back Jamal Lewis. The Northern Ireland player who possesses core attributes to flourish in the Premier League was available for a lesser fee than what was demanded by PAOK, pushing the Tyneside club to make a move for him instead.

Dimitris has however not let the failed transfer get the best of him, as he’s continued his fine form for PAOK this season, showing glimpses of why he was in-demand after starring in 13 league appearances for PAOK this season so far.