Newcastle United consider transfer as ‘closely followed’ claim made around £8.7m man

Newcastle United’s efforts to strengthen their defence during the summer transfer window has led to Magpies recruitment staff travelling far and wide in their search for new talent.

Links with defenders from Spain, Portugal, France and Germany have been reported in the media over the last three months - but the most recent speculation has linked United with a move for a highly-rated defender that is impressing during a loan spell in Turkey’s second tier.

Fenerbache made a move to sign centre-back Emir Ortakaya from league rivals Genclerbirlgi during the summer transfer window in 2021 before sending him to second tier side Goztepe on a season-long loan deal in August. The 18-year-old has put in a string of impressive performances for his temporary employers and is reportedly attracting interest from several clubs around Europe.

Turkish outlet Aksam have claimed Ortakaya’s development has been ‘closely followed’ by Newcastle and Southampton, with French clubs Lyon and Marseille also confirmed as admirers of the young defender. The report states the Ankara-born centre-back ‘has seriously proven himself’ during the loan with Goztepe and Fenerbache could expect to receive offers of around £8.7m and confirms he could leave the Turkish giants without making a first-team appearance.

Kuol speaks out over Hearts development

Newcastle United forward Garang Kuol believes he is developing during his loan spell with Scottish Premier League club Hearts.

The highly-rated Australia international officially joined the Magpies during the January transfer window and was immediately sent out on loan to Tynecastle in a bid to aid his introduction to senior football. However, the former Central Coast Mariners forward has made just one start during his time with Robbie Nielson’s side, with a further seven appearances coming as a substitute.

Kuol was an unused substitute in a 3-0 defeat against Aberdeen at the weekend - but has insisted he is fully focused on making a success of his time with Hearts before returning to Tyneside this summer.

He told the Sydney Morning Herald: “Everyone you play against is here to fight. There’s big boys everywhere. But I feel like game by game, I keep adapting to the level of physicality. It’s definitely getting better, my physicality. I’m tracking my food, my weight every day. I’m just trying to stay focused on doing all that stuff, because it does make the difference.

“It’s been good to get that experience in. Training with the top players every day, with men - I think that’s the key to developing. The most important thing is what happens in training, and what happens when I get my opportunity on the pitch.

“That’s where all my attention’s going. I’m just trying to get as much minutes as possible, and that’s up to me, and what I do. Hopefully, I can get some stats up on the board.”