Premier League duo Newcastle United and West Ham have both been linked with Olympiakos left-back Leonardo Koutris heading into the January window.
West Ham United cruised past Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday but Rafa Benitez’ side could be given an immediate chance to exact some measure of revenge on their claret and blue clad opponents.
The Mirror (2 December, page 47) reports that Newcastle are big fans of the 23-year-old Olympiakos left-back Leonardo Koutris, having scouted him during Greece’s UEFA Nations League clash against Finland recently.
This came just a few weeks after West Ham were linked with the Brazil-born defender by Sportdog, with the Greek publication stating that director of football Mario Husillos has been keeping a close eye on his performances.
But although West Ham’s 3-0 win at St James’ Park highlighted a gulf in class between the two sides, would Koutris be better off on Tyneside than in London?
If the youngster is keen to play regular first-team football in England, Newcastle could be a more sensible destination. Paul Dummett is the only natural left-back in Benitez’s squad with the unconvincing Javi Manquillo and Kenedy looking like square pegs when being forced into the role.
Koutris would be a more attacking alternative to Dummett too, meaning he’d give Newcastle more thrust going forward.
At West Ham, meanwhile, Koutris would have to compete with both Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku. And while the duo haven’t been at their best this season, they would represent a substantial obstacle for a player who will not want to be stuck on the bench.
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