Newcastle United have now made contact with them to sign the in-form striker, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Newcastle are on the lookout for a new striker ahead of a tough Champions League clash
Newcastle are preparing for one of the biggest games in their history on Wednesday night, as they travel to Spain to face Barcelona at Camp Nou, after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Anthony Gordon has been criticized by the likes of Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney for not being involved early on at St. “When I arrived at the stadium, the manager told me that I wasn’t playing, which I didn’t like very much, but that was his decision and the team played well.
“To say I don’t want to play in the biggest game of my life is nonsense. I think Rooney said I walked past them without shaking hands and went into the dressing room. I didn’t.
“I got changed by myself in a changing room the size of this one. It was just me and the sink. Total nonsense. I think they need to do better at what they’re doing.”
It remains to be seen whether Gordon will be allowed to leave on Wednesday night, after admitting the team had done well in his absence, and the Magpies have since made efforts to sign a new player.
According to a report from Takvim (via Sports Witness), Newcastle have made contact with representatives of Galatasaray star Baris Alper Yilmaz, with Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace taking a similar approach.
Previous reports of Chelsea’s interest have also been passed, with BlueCo keen to sign the striker, who is valued at around €45m – €50m (£39m – £43m), this summer, but Eddie Howe’s side are now trying to hijack the move.
Scouts will be sent to watch Yilmaz play on Wednesday night, when Galatasaray travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Galatasaray board member Resit Omer Kukner is certainly pleased with the 25-year-old’s performances this season, saying: “I really like all the Galatasaray players, but some are special. Barış Alper Yılmaz has done himself proud by taking the first step to become the favorite of the whole group of fans again.”
It’s no surprise, given the Turkish international’s form up front, with 24 goals in all competitions.
|
Baris Alper Yilmaz’s attack record |
Appearance |
Involvement of objectives |
|
Turkish Super Lig |
23 |
16 |
|
Turkish Cup |
4 |
4 |
|
Turkish Super Cup |
2 |
1 |
|
Champions League |
11 |
3 |
Yilmaz is now ready for a move up to the Premier League, but Howe may struggle to pick a left-back if he wins the race for his signature, given that Gordon plays in the same position.
Shame on Gordon: Howe must ditch Newcastle dud who only hit 9 passes
Newcastle returned to the top flight of the Premier League with a win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
