Galatasaray refuse to rule out selling Marcao in the next transfer window after receiving enquiries from several sides for the defender Newcastle United explored during January.
That’s according to Calciomercato.it, who report multiple sides have now approached Gala to discuss the Brazilian’s potential availability. Marcao will enter the final two years of his contract at the end of the season, and his performances have also alerted various suitors.
The centre-half is a mainstay of the backline at the Nef Stadium with 32 outings across all competitions this season. He made his last appearance as Cimbom’s captain as Barcelona visited Istanbul in the second-leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday night.
But despite Marcao breaking the deadlock on aggregate, Xavi Hernandez’s Camp Nou side responded to win 2-1 and progress. So, Galatasaray are now facing a trophyless campaign and risk failing to qualify for any UEFA action next season, as they sit just 11th in Super Lig.
Galatasaray refuse to rule out £12.5m exit for Newcastle target Marcao
Inter Milan and Roma are now taking stock of Marcao’s situation at Galatasaray ahead of the next transfer window. But neither Serie A side has yet opened talks with the Brazilian’s agent to discuss a move. Instead, all approaches so far have been direct to his Turkish side.
Galatasaray, for their part, refuse to rule out selling the defender at the end of the season. Yet Cimbom will seek a fee of between €15m and €20m (£12.5m-£16.5m) to grant his exit.
Their position should offer Eddie Howe a fresh chance to take the 25-year-old to St James’ Park, should he still wish. TuttoMercatoWEB reported Newcastle explored a transfer for Marcao in January after turning attention to Galatasaray after missing out on Diego Carlos.
Carlos has since penned a new contract with Sevilla that will strengthen the La Liga’s side resolve in the summer. So, Galatasaray’s willingness to sell Marcao may put him back on Newcastle’s radar, should Howe wish to potentially battle Inter and Roma for his transfer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
