Newcastle are reported to have stepped up their interest in Turkish star Arda Turan by lodging a £9million bid with Galatasaray.
Claims of £9million Newcastle bid
Newcastle United are reported to have stepped up their interest in Turkish star Arda Turan by lodging a £9million bid with Galatasaray.
The Magpies have been keeping a close check on Turan, but now they look to have opened talks about bringing him to Tyneside.
Newcastle have freed up space in their squad by allowing Turan's compatriot Emre to move back to his homeland and join Fenerbahce.
With major doubts over the futures of Damien Duff and Charles N'Zogbia, a left sided midfield is a priority for manager Kevin Keegan.
And Turan appears to be the man Keegan wants, although he will not come cheap with Gala reportedly looking for around £11m.
Newcastle's opening salvo of £9m would appear to be off the mark - but it is claimed that talks are ongoing.
Denial
Although in response to the reports Gala have insisted they want Turan to stay put.
"There are stories about Arda Turan in the press. Arda Turan is our player and there is no transfer to any clubs," said a statement on their
official website.
Turan's agent Ahmet Bulut stated that he had not held talks with Newcastle or any other club.
"I don't know anything about what is happening with the two clubs," he told
Skysports.com.
"If they are talking fine, but I don't know and I cannot talk with any club unless Galatasaray say that I can."
