New Fenerbahce defender Steven Caulker hopes Attila Szalai will turn down the chance to join Aston Villa, West Ham United or Newcastle in favour of an extended stay with the Turkish giants, speaking to Fanatik.
After penning a two-year deal with the Istanbul-based outfit, Caulker hopes to form a partnership at the heart of Vitor Pereira’s back line with one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe.
Szalai’s reputation has gone through the roof since joining Fenerbahce from Cypriot football just six months ago – and so, too, has his price tag.
Fener president Ali Koc insists the 19-time Super Lig champions won’t consider offers below £18 million for the rock-solid centre-half, who was linked with Premier League trio Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Ham before shining for Hungary at Euro 2020.
And Caulker, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England defender, will be praying Koc is true to his word.
Will Euro 2020 star Attila Szalai move to Aston Villa or Newcastle?
“I’m a fan of Attila Szalai,” Caulker says of a man who has also been tipped to join Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United.
“I watched him last year and followed him at Euro 2020. He will have a good future.
“I’ve heard about those links with England – but he’s good in Fenerbahce. I hope we play together. We will help Fenerbahce win trophies.”
Blikk has reported Szalai would jump at the chance to join a Leicester City side that has become an excellent developer of young talent – a reputation enhanced by the 2019 arrival of former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers.
Caglar Soyuncu, James Maddison, Youri Tielemans, Harvey Barnes and Kasper Schmeichel have all become household names at the King Power Stadium.
And a new centre-half is a must this summer, with Leicester legend Wes Morgan retiring and Jonny Evans becoming increasingly injury prone as he enters his mid-30s.
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