Galatasaray chief Abdurrahim Albayrak has reiterated to Souza that Mostafa Mohamed will not leave for Crystal Palace even if a bid of £20 million is made next summer.
While both Jean-Philippe Mateta and Christian Benteke proved their worth with a pair of stunning goals in last week’s smash-and-grab 2-1 win at Brighton, Palace are still on the lookout for a new number nine.
According to HaberTurk, their search has led them to an Egyptian international whose terrific goal-scoring record has drawn comparisons with superstar compatriot Mo Salah.
Crystal Palace are big fans of Mohamed, the 23-year-old centre-forward blessed with the leap of a turbo-charged salmon and explosive finishing skills off both feet.
Mohamed joined Galatasaray on loan from Zamalek in the January window and has scored five times in five matches so far.
The Turkish league leaders also have the option to sign Mohamed on a permanent basis next summer. And Albayrak has made it clear that, even if Crystal Palace are willing to put £20 million on the table, Galatasaray will not be hijacked by anyone.
“We will definitely add the player to our staff. I do not understand how such news (about Mohamed leaving) is coming out,” explained the Gala Vice-President.
“Even if they offer 20 million, they cannot get him. Mostafa will be a football player of Galatasaray.”
It looks for all the world, then, that Crystal Palace will have to look elsewhere for a new number nine capable of forming a thrilling attacking triumvirate with Wilfred Zaha and Ebere Eze at Selhurst Park.
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