Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has resolutely dismissed all claims that star striker Tuncay Sanli was on his way to fellow Premier League side Chelsea.
Recent media reports had suggested that Chelsea manager Luis Felipe Scolari, who has been clamouring for a striker this season to provide back-up to Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba, was trying to convince his employers to sign the Turkish international.
It was even said that Chelsea were planning to launch a £8 million bid for Tuncay, who was signed by Middlesbrough last season on a free transfer and has been a revelation in the Premier League.
But Boro manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed such speculation and insists:
“I was quite amused at the figure they put on his head because the club that were linked pay double that for full backs!
“He’s an intelligent footballer who can play in any number of positions. Eight goals last year, four already this season.
“He’s a joy to work with. As I’ve said before he’s a real character around the place and a good influence on our team.
“As you go towards January, you know it can be an unsettling period at all football clubs because speculation runs wild — it’s the nature of the transfer window.
“We have to do all we can to keep our best players and if we can add to the squad we’ll try and do that.”
That should settle it then. Tuncay Sanli is not going anywhere until the end of the season at least.
But then again…..
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