Real Madrid make an approach for Nuri Sahin; Napoli keen on Shakhtar star

Real Madrid make an approach for Nuri Sahin

Real Madrid have contacted Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin regarding a move to Santiago Bernabeu, according to Bild.

Los Blancos have reportedly shown interest in signing the Turkish midfielder and they have already made the first contact.

Arguably the best player of the Bundesliga season has a clause in his contract saying that he can leave Dortmund if a club pay €6 million next summer, which is way below the player’s actual value.

Borussia chiefs have tried to persuade the Turkey international into signing a new deal so as to get rid of the aforementioned clause, but without any success.

This basically means that they face an uphill struggle to keep hold of their most prized asset in the end of the season.

The 22-year-old admits he is aware of the interest, but says he is fully committed to the team’s cause.

“I am aware that my name has been linked with many clubs these days, but I always said that I wanted to fully concentrated on the championship with Dortmund,” Sahin was quoted as saying.

”The rest does not interest me.”

Dortmund chiefs can be encouraged by the player’s latest statements, but a prospect of a move to Real could be very tempting for the youngster, especially as his good friend Mesut Ozil would welcome him at the Bernabeu.

Napoli keen on Shakhtar star

Napoli have expressed interest in Shakhtar midfielder Douglas Costa, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

Having virtually secured Champions League qualification, the Partenopei are already preparing for the summer transfer market and have made enquires into the availability of several top players.

Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has promised to allocate €40 million for summer transfers should Napoli ensure Champions League football.

Coach Walter Mazzarri has singled out Shakhtar midfielder Douglas Costa as one of the targets in the next transfer window as he wants to add another player who can help Marek Hamsik in the creative department.

The 20-year-old has only joined Shakhtar last January, but the youngster has already attracted a lot of interest with excellent performances this season.

The promising midfielder certainly won’t come cheap but it is said that Shakhtar would be prepared to sell if the price is right.

Napoli have already reached an agreement to sign defender Federico Fernandez and striker Tim Matavz, which proves they are keen on creating the squad capable of fighting for honours.

Agent: Sporting close to signing Garay

Real Madrid defender Ezequiel Garay is on the verge of signing for Sporting Lisbon, according to his agent.

The Argentine has a contract with Real until 2014, but he is keen to move in the search for first team football after finding himself at the fringes at Santiago Bernabeu.

Sporting Lisbon have shown interest in the 24-year-old, with the player’s agent confirming his client is tempted by the prospect of playing for the Portuguese giants.

“There are other clubs that have expressed interest in Garay, but, yes, Sporting have a strong chance of securing his signature,” Ricardo Schlieper told A Bola.

“Garay is pleased by Sporting interest. It is a big European club, so let’s see what can happen.

”We honestly look forward to it.”

New Sporting president Godinho Lopes is determined to restore old glory days at the club and his staff are widely looking for reinforcements.

Ezequiel Garay would certainly be a great signing for Sporting as he is not only very good defender, but is still just 24 and can be acquired for a cut-down price.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2010/11 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.