Galatasary chief name-drops Scotland star as he tries to quash fan unrest

A PAIR of Premier League stars have emerged as top targets for Turkish giants Galatasaray – including a Scotland Euros star.

Steve Clarke‘s men travelled the Germany with high expectations but returned disappointed, picking up just one point in three games.

However, the road to Euro 2024 was a bright one.

And the main man on that journey was Scott McTominay.

The Manchester United star seemed to take the baton from Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn as the Tartan Army‘s talisman for the campaign.

He scored a stunning six goals in qualifying – including a double against eventual tournament champions Spain on a memorable night at have been beaten since the start of 2023).

The 27-year-old kept Scotland‘s hopes at the Euros alive with his crucial goal against Switzerland but his form for Scotland hasn’t led to a regular spot in Erik ten Hag‘s starting XI.

Despite ten goals in 43 appearances for United last season, he looks set to leave Old Trafford in the coming weeks before the new season.

He made only 18 Premier League starts last season and as he enters the final year of his contract, United are considering cashing in on their academy graduate.

Galatasaray are managed by McTominay’s former boss at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho, and the pair could be set to reunite (Mourinho gave McTominay his debut for the Red Devils).

In an interview with CNN Turk, Galatasaray vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoglu said: “We are interested in a player from the Premier League and Manchester United.

“There is nothing more natural than the high cost of this. There are discussions regarding his transfer fee.

“For us, the total cost, including transfer fees and player receivables [salary], is important at the decision point.

“Once the negotiations with both the club and the player are completed, the cost becomes apparent.”

But in a separate interview with Haber Sari Kirmizi, he said: “McTominay’s transfer fee is being discussed.”

He then added in reference to their other Premier League target – Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (who Mourinho signed for Tottenham in 2020) – that he is weighing up his options: “Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is a good player, he has many suitors, he wants to see all options.”

If McTominay does make the move to the Turkish giants, it seems he should prepare for a fanbase that are unrelenting in their pursuit of success.

Galatasaray won the Turkish Super League last year but for some supporters, the summer transfer activity of their rivals has left them raging.

Hatipoglu said: “All hell breaks loose because our rivals made two or three transfers. This team had a 50 point difference over those rivals last season, of course they will make transfers, they have no other choice.

“The fans should trust us. We will do what is best for the interests of Galatasaray. When it is finished, everyone will evaluate it. The insults towards us are upsetting.”

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