According to reports in Turkey, Newcastle ‘haven’t given up’ on their hopes of signing Galatasaray winger Garry Rodrigues – with Rafa Benitez keen to reignite his interest in January.
Rodrigues is a player we’ve been regularly linked with for the best part of a year, and Turkish Football now report that we have continued to scout the winger after having an alleged big ‘rejected’ over the summer.
The Cape Verde international managed an impressive 10 goals and 11 assists for Galatasaray last season and has started this one in decent form too, scoring 3 already – including one in their recent Champions League win over Lokomotiv Moscow.
Here’s a snippet from Turkish Football’s latest piece, claiming that we are still keen to sign the 27-year old:
“Newcastle United haven’t given up hopes of signing Galatasaray star forward Garry Rodrigues.
“The Toons were closely linked with the Cape Verde international over the summer and have a bid for the 27-year-old rejected by Galatasaray.
“Rodriguez has established himself as a first-team regular at Galatasaray following the appointment of Fatih Terim last season. The Rotterdam born forward has started both of the Lions UEFA Champions League games this season.
“A source close to Galatasaray has revealed to Turkish Football that Newcastle United have continued to scout Rodriguez this season.
“Per the source, Galatasaray are prepared to sell the Cape Verde star but only for the right price.
“Galatasaray set a €15 million price tag on Rodriguez over the summer. The 27-year-old has another three-years remaining on his contract with the Istanbul giants.”
There’s no smoke without fire so I’d like to bet that we do hold interest in Rodrigues, however I have a few doubts about this one.
Firstly, I can’t see them accepting £13m (15m euros). In this day and age that’s not much at all – especially for one of their star players playing for them in the Champions League.
Secondly, do I see us spending what could be a big portion of our January kitty on a 27-year old winger?
Murphy and Atsu haven’t done nearly enough, but Kenedy and Ritchie are very much key first-team players who’ll expect to play each week. Would that money not be better spent on a striker or a number 10?
One to watch, but I’m not holding my breath with this one – even if there appears to be long standing interest from Benitez and NUFC.
