Koray Gunter (Getty Images)
As per Estadio Deportivo (h/t The Shields Gazette), Newcastle United are keen to sign Genoa star Koray Gunter, who currently plies his trade with Hellas Verona in Serie A.
Gunter, 25, came through the youth ranks of Borussia Dortmund and signed for Turkish side Galatasaray in 2014. After an unsuccessful spell in Turkey, he moved to Genoa but featured in only bit-part roles for the Italian side.
However, this season, he has been one of the great revelations in Serie A and has taken his game to the next level. He was instrumental in Verona’s 2-1 win over Serie A giants Juventus last month. He has been a regular under Ivan Juric and has helped the side to 8th place in the Serie A standings.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, especially in their attacking ranks. They have scored just 25 goals so far but their defence seems to show signs of improvement despite conceding 40 goals.
Steve Bruce has mainly used the three-man central defence throughout the season. Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Florian Lejeune, Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark have been shuffled often to take charge at the back.
But Lascelles was out of action for the majority of the season due to injury while Schar and Clark were used in fewer games. The former has now picked up an ankle injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season.
Therefore, it would be good for the manager to bring in defensive reinforcements. Three out of the five central defenders have just one more year left on their contract including Fernandez, whose contract was recently extended by a year.
In that case, Koray Gunter would be a viable option for the Magpies, who would need enough backup in their defensive unit.
The 25-year-old has regularly featured as a left centre-back for Verona in a three-man central defence and would perfectly fit Bruce’s system as he has experience playing in that position. He has played in 22 league games and has helped the team keep 9 clean sheets.
Predominantly a centre-back, Gunter is capable of playing as a right-back and has also featured in the defensive midfield role on several occasions. This would be helpful for the Magpies boss to play him in different positions according to the demand.
The former German U21 international has raised the standards of his game and would certainly add depth and quality to the Magpies squad.
With Clark and Fernandez reaching the twilight of their careers, Newcastle should look to bring in able replacements and strengthen the squad. And Gunter would be a good choice.
Hence, it would be worthy if the Magpies make a move for the former Dortmund academy product and lure him to St. James’ Park in the summer.
