Newcastle United have made a £4 million bid to sign Dimitris Giannoulis and are leading Watford for the signature of the PAOK defender, according to the Shields Gazette.
Another summer, another transfer window spent chasing a left-back.
The Magpies have been looking for a top-class ‘number three’ since the heady days of Davide Santon and, after a cruciate ligament injury wrecked Jetro Willems’ hopes of a permanent deal at St James’ Park, Newcastle are once again entering the market to reinforce their problem position.
Whether Giannoulis is the man for the job remains to be seen.
But, according to reports in the north east, the 24-year-old, seven-time Greece international does appear to have emerged as the top target with Newcastle making an initial £4 million bid for his signature.
Recently-relegated Watford are also allegedly interested, identifying Giannoulis as the man to replace compatriot Jose Holebas at Vicarage Road.
Given that Watford are yet to make a bid of their own, and will be playing Championship football in 2020/21, it is safe to assume that Newcastle is his most likely destination as things stand.
An attack-minded left-back who can also play further forward in midfield, Giannoulos produced five assists as an unbeaten PAOK cruised to the Super League title in 2018/19, winning 26 of their 30 games and drawing the other four.
He set up another six goals last season too.
With that in mind, Giannoulis feels like a far more attacking alternative to the safe and steady Paul Dummett on the left-hand side of Steve Bruce’s team.
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