Turan 1 Step Closer To Toon?

Newcastle United's interest in Turkish midfielder Arda Turan appears to have stepped up a gear with a £9million bid rumoured to have been submitted to Galatasaray. Kevin Keegan's interest in the 21 year old hasn't gone unnoticed, Turan was previously linked with the club last month, however Galatasaray are adamant £11million is their asking price & that they will make every effort to keep him.

The official Galatasaray website has the following statement on the situation

"There are stories about Arda Turan in the press. Arda Turan is our player and there is no transfer to any clubs."

Neither club have confirmed an approach.

The youngster was initially linked with the Tyneside club back in December 2007 when all rumours were stopped by his agent who said he was going nowhere until the summer and that there had infact been no interest from the North East. Now the summer has (officially) arrived things seem to be in full swing and Ahmet Bulut is a very busy man.

The most recent reports come from The Journal who claim the club will attempt to secure Turan's service prior to Euro 2008 starting.

In December Bulut said:

"Of course he knows all about England, he has talked with Emre and Tuncay (of Middlesbrough) about this. He has also seen it on television as the Premier League is huge over here."

Last month Bulut said of the situation:

"One club is talking to Galatasaray and asking them to name their price. If Galatasaray's request is met, the transfer can happen."

There was no confirmation as to who that club was but it was widely speculated to be Newcastle United.

Ahmet Bulut now insists he has not entered negotiations over his player, he told Sky Sports.com this week:

"I don't know anything about what is happening with the two clubs. If they are talking, fine, but I don't know, and I cannot talk with any club unless Galatasaray say that I can."

2007/2008 Season Player Stats

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