Matthaus set for Turkish role

Besiktas are to appoint German legend Lothar Matthaus as their new coach and are also aiming to bring Rustu Recber back to Turkey.

Matthaus is currently in charge of the Hungarian national team but has agreed to take over at Besiktas next month.

Following Yildirim Demiroren's presidential election victory, he confirmed that Matthaus would be stepping into the coach's hot seat.

"We won't be paying much compensation for him," said Demiroren. "Matthaus is in China at the moment but he'll arrive before Thursday to sign the contract."

Demiroren's election as president ends the uncertainty surrounding the appointment of Besiktas' coach as other candidates had lined up the likes of Klaus Toppmoller and Jacques Santini to take over.

Matthaus is expected to discuss the club's transfer policy when he arrives in Istanbul, with Turkey international goalkeeper Recber a possible recruit.

Recber has been informed he can leave Barcelona, with Besiktas set to offer him a return home if Colombian shot-stopper Oscar Cordoba quits the club.

"We are going to speak to Cordoba today," added Demiroren. "If he wants to stay we will keep him but if he wants to leave we won't stop him.

"We're interested in Rustu Recber should Cordoba leave."

Demiroren also acknowledged Besiktas' interest in Mohamed Zidan but expressed concern about the Egyptian's international commitments.

"We've already got an Egyptian international in Ahmed Hassan. Having two players from your first team get called up for the African Nations Cup can cause problems."