‘Very clear’ - Eddie Howe furious with European powerhouse for ‘insulting’ Newcastle United

Reports in midweek suggested the Turkish giants had made an approach for the defender, who only arrived at Newcastle United last summer. This was confirmed by Acun Ilicali, the flamboyant Hull City owner who also sits on Fenerbache’s board.

"We are currently negotiating a purchase of Lloyd Kelly," he told FutbolArena. We are interested in him, and if we can reach an agreement (with Newcastle) we will bring him in."

However, the offer was understood to have insulted Newcastle who, despite being in a precarious FFP/PSR situation, are not willing to be held to ransom. Kelly’s lack of game time has made him a saleable asset but the £11million offer - as reported by The Athletic - was turned down.

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Howe was furious with Fenerbahce when grilled by the media about the Kelly saga. The Toon boss insisted the noise has not come from the player, who must “earn the right” to break into the team.

"Lloyd has not talked to me about leaving the Football Club,” Howe said. “I think he's only just joined and I think there's an understanding from his perspective that he's got to earn the right to play and prove that he deserves to play ahead of other players." 

"So there's been absolutely no issue. He's been great to work with and I knew he would be. He's waiting for his opportunities, so there's no issue with Lloyd at all. Whatever rumours you're hearing are likely from Fenerbahce and not from the player so I want to make that very clear and Lloyd's an important part of what we're doing."