Altintop set for Gala move

Hamit Altintop is on the brink of completing a transfer from Real Madrid to Galatasaray after arriving at the Turkish club’s training camp.

The 29-year-old midfielder has been tipped to leave Real since the end of last season after failing to make his mark at the Santiago Bernabeu following a free transfer from Bayern Munich in May 2011.

The two clubs are yet to confirm the transfer, but Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim told the club’s TV on Thursday the player has joined up with his players for pre-season.

“Hamit is an important transfer,” Terim said.

“I would like to welcome him personally.

“We have got a player who will be useful for many years. All of our club will benefit.”

The Turkey international, who will start training with the rest of the squad on Friday, also commented on the move, saying: “I believe we have done everything properly. There are no more issues.”

“Tomorrow, I will start working to achieve our targets.”

Hamit began his professional career with Wattenscheid in 2000 and also spent four years at Schalke between 2003 and 2007 before joining Bayern.