47-word statement confirms Aston Villa transfer agreement after £6m Newcastle United bid

And despite reports from Italy, the Magpies are today playing down talk of Kelly potentially joining Juventus.

The Turkish giants have been in the market for a centre-back this month and last week tabled a £6million offer for Kelly, which was swiftly rejected by the Magpies.

Rather than return with an improved offer, Jose Mourinho’s side instead pushed ahead with the signing of Carlos. The transfer fee agreed is understood to be around £8m.

A Fenerbahce statement: “Transfer Information. Our club has reached an agreement in principle with the club for the transfer of Diego Carlos, who plays for Aston Villa.

“The Brazilian player has been invited to Istanbul for health checks and to further the transfer negotiations. We present it to the public.”

Although the prospect of Kelly moving to Turkey has been ruled out, fresh reports claim Juventus are hoping to strike a deal with Newcastle.

The 26-year-old has struggled for game time since arriving on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth in the summer, starting just four of United’s 22 Premier League matches - his last being the 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United in November.

The form of Dan Burn and Lewis Hall, plus the respective returns of Sven Botman and Matt Targett from injury, adds further complication but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe played down the exit talk last Friday.

“Yeah, Lloyd's not talked to me at all about wanting to leave the football club,” Howe said. “He's only just joined. I think there's an understanding from his perspective that he's got to come in and earn the right to play and prove that he deserves to play ahead of other players.

“So he's been absolutely no issue. He's been great to work with, as I knew he would be. He's waiting for his opportunity, so there's no issue with Lloyd at all.

“I think this is, whatever rumours you're hearing, are club-driven from Fenerbahce, not from the player. So I want to make that very clear.

“And Lloyd's an important part of what we're doing. As I said, he's recently joined, we're working with him, we're enjoying working with him, and he's got an important part to play.”