Newcastle United insist talk of Geremi joining Turkish side Ankaragucu is extremely premature.
Championship pace-setters issue transfer denial
Newcastle United have issued a statement regarding the widely reported transfer of Geremi to Turkish side Ankaragucu, with the North East club insisting talk of such a deal is extremely premature.
The Cameroon international was presented to Turkish media on Monday afternoon as Ankaragucu's latest signing and was afforded a rapturous reception by the club's supporters.
Newcastle were under the impression Geremi was to link-up with his national side for the African Cup of Nations in Angola, but it appears he took a detour to Turkey.
In a bid to clarify where they stand on any potential transfer of the midfielder an official Newcastle club statement read: "Further to reports in various sections of the media today regarding the transfer of Geremi to Turkish side Ankaragucu, Newcastle United wishes to make it clear that whilst there are a number of clubs interested in possibly acquiring his services, any talk of him leaving St James' Park at this moment is extremely premature.
"Geremi remains a Newcastle United player and has today linked up with Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations."
Former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Middlesbrough player Geremi arrived at St James' during the summer of 2007 when then manager Sam Allardyce recruited him for his experience.
He was initially handed the captain's armband, but has struggled to command a regular place in the team, particularly since the departure of the man who signed him.
But he is one of the club's remaining high earners and as current boss Chris Hughton attempts to close in on his January targets - the names of Leeds' FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford and Sheffield United defender Matt Kilgallon appear high on his list - his removal from the wage bill would free up extra funds.
