Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce launch bid for Newcastle defender – as club chief reveals negotiations have taken place with the Magpies

Fenerbahce are looking to raid Newcastle for one of their defenders this month.

The Turkish outfit – who are managed by former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho – want to bolster their backline before the transfer window slams shut.

They have identified a Newcastle player as their primary target, and have now made their move.

Fenerbahce vice-president Acun Ilicali has revealed that his club want to sign Lloyd Kelly and that talks between the two clubs have already taken place.

He told Turkish journalist Sercan Hamzaoğlu: ‘We are negotiating for the transfer of Lloyd Kelly. He is a player we are interested in. 

‘If we can reach an agreement, we will make the transfer of this player happen.’

He is interested in signing Lloyd Kelly (left), who is struggling for game time at St James’ Park

Kelly only joined Newcastle six months ago but has found himself out of favour under Eddie Howe

Kelly only joined Newcastle six months ago after leaving Bournemouth when his contract expired at the end of last season.

But the 26-year-old has found himself out of favour under Eddie Howe.

Kelly – who can play at centre back or left back – has been limited to just four league starts this season.

He has fallen below Lewis Hall in the pecking order at left back, while Howe has preferred a centre back partnership of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn for the first half of the campaign.

The highly-rated Sven Botman has also just returned from a serious knee injury, which could restrict Kelly’s opportunities even further.