Galatasaray coach Necati Ates has indicated that Olimpiu Morutan has a future at the Turkish giants amid reports linking him with a move to Scottish Premiership champions Rangers, as reported by GSP.
Two of the most exciting talents to emerge out of Romania in recent times have been linked with high-profile moves to Britain in recent weeks.
But whether either deal will come to fruition… well let’s just say no one should be holding their breath.
FCBS’s always-outspoken president Gigi Becali has made it very clear that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are fighting a losing battle as they look to lure Ianis Stoica to the Emirates Stadium.
And, according to reports from Turkey, Rangers have enquired about a deal that would see Morutan arrive at Ibrox on a potential loan-to-buy deal.
But despite starting just three of Galatasaray’s last seven Super Lig games, the Istanbul giants appear to have slammed the door in Van Bronckhorst’s face.
Morutan, like Stoica, is going nowhere this month.
Who will Rangers sign in January?
“Morutan is a good, young player, whom I bought voluntarily,” says Ates, assistant coach to Fatih Terim at the Nef Stadyumu.
“We have high expectations of him, everyone does. Our manager (Terim) gives him a chance in every game. We are happy with him.”
Morutan exploded onto the scene with Becali’s FCSB side last term, scoring eight goals, providing 15 assists and leaving full-backs quaking in their boots with his dynamic dribbling skills and explosive acceleration.
In many ways, the three-cap forward embodies everything Van Bronckhorst wants from his wingers; direct, positive and capable of breezing past defenders at will.
Becali even compared Morutan to none other than Lionel Messi – although it must be said the FCSB chief does have a reputation for exaggeration.
Morutan looks set to stay at Galatasaray until the summer at least, however, having only joined the club a few months ago.
It remains to be seen whether Rangers now step up their interest in a forward who may be more readily available; Bologna’s Andreas Skov Olsen.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
