Orestis Karnezis is reportedly set to join Napoli as part of the deal to take Alex Meret to the Serie A side.

The Greek goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Watford where he shared duties between the sticks with Heurelho Gomes.

Despite claiming he would like to make his switch to Watford permanent during the 2017/18 campaign, such a move now looks unlikely and Karnezis has returned to Udinese.

Karnezis struggled to force his way into the Watford team and endured an error strewn debut after coming on as a sub against Everton in November.

However, injury to Gomes early in 2018 gave him another chance at first team action which he grabbed with both hands.

He finished the campaign with 16 appearances to his name in all competitions, but was left out of Watford’s squad in the final day draw against Manchester United.

The 32-year-old is now believed to be heading to Napoli where he will play a mentoring role for Meret who is also an Udinese player.

Napoli are said to have agreed a £22 million deal for the 21-year-old keeper who is considered one of the brightest young talents in his position.

The fee, which could rise due to bonuses, represents a hefty outlay but one Napoli felt was required to ward off interest from both Roma and Fiorentina.