|
|
Report: Galatasaray Bid For Everton's Australian Star Lucas Neill
The stocky centre-back could link up with a famous fellow Aussie.
Jan 12, 2010 10:17:32 PM
Socceroo captain and recent Everton acquisition Lucas Neill is being linked with a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he would link-up with international teammate Harry Kewell.
According to a report in the Times, which has since been picked up by media outlets across Europe and in Australia, Galatasaray have offered £800,000 for Neill.
Having only joined Everton in September, the move seems oddly timed given that Neill has only just broken into the Toffees’ starting line-up.
Perhaps the short-term nature of his contract would explain why a move away from the English Premier League club has presented itself so soon, with Neill having only signed on until the end of the season.
When he joined the Merseyside outfit, the 31 year-old was without a club, having previously departed West Ham.
With barely six months to go to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, wherever Neill plays first-team football would be a priority and it has been suggested that the return of first-choice defenders such as Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin from the treatment table would put the Australia’s starting spot under threat.
Similarly, the success of fellow Socceroo Harry Kewell at Galatasaray will no doubt encourage Neill, the latter having revived his career after departing England just under two years ago.
This isn’t the first time Neill has been linked with a move to Galatasaray either, the Turkish club one of a seemingly endless list of suitors during a manic rumour period.
Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
For the latest news and updates fromGoal.com , follow our Twitter account!
According to a report in the Times, which has since been picked up by media outlets across Europe and in Australia, Galatasaray have offered £800,000 for Neill.
Having only joined Everton in September, the move seems oddly timed given that Neill has only just broken into the Toffees’ starting line-up.
Perhaps the short-term nature of his contract would explain why a move away from the English Premier League club has presented itself so soon, with Neill having only signed on until the end of the season.
When he joined the Merseyside outfit, the 31 year-old was without a club, having previously departed West Ham.
With barely six months to go to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, wherever Neill plays first-team football would be a priority and it has been suggested that the return of first-choice defenders such as Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin from the treatment table would put the Australia’s starting spot under threat.
Similarly, the success of fellow Socceroo Harry Kewell at Galatasaray will no doubt encourage Neill, the latter having revived his career after departing England just under two years ago.
This isn’t the first time Neill has been linked with a move to Galatasaray either, the Turkish club one of a seemingly endless list of suitors during a manic rumour period.
Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
For the latest news and updates from
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.