Nottingham Forest made £9.5m summer bid for new Leeds target, rejected as club wanted more

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Leeds United have been linked with a shock move for Galatasaray attacker Kerem Akturkoglu ahead of the January window – a player Nottingham Forest tried to sign in the summer, bidding £9.5m.

Akturkoglu, 25, is in the form of his life this season. He has had a hand in 15 goals and assists in 27 games for the Turkish side – including two goals against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Of course, the surprise not only comes in the form of Leeds trying to sign a player currently playing in Europe’s elite competition. But, that it is a Galatasaray player – with the rivalry still a ferocious one.

It obviously comes after two Leeds fans were murdered by Galatasaray fans back in 2000, on the eve of a UEFA Cup semi-final. But perhaps, if reports are to be believed, Leeds are looking to do business.

Akturkoglu is certainly a top player. A player with 26 caps for Turkey, able to play anywhere in attack. The report states that Leeds and Lazio are interested – but Galatasaray only want to sell in the summer.

Forest bid £9.5m for Leeds target Kerim Akturkoglu in summer

Back in the summer, a report from Turkish site Takvim suggested that Forest had made an offer to sign the attacking midfielder – worth £9.5m plus add-ons. But, Gala rejected it – believing he’s worth more.

That has turned out to be the right decision, since scoring goals in the Champions League and taking his form to a new level. Leeds may have to obtain promotion to the Premier League to nab his signature.

A player that has even impressed Barcelona manager Xavi in the past. So, a bit of a strange one to have come out of the blue somewhat – especially, with Leeds said to have been in talks. But a top, top player.