Roeder: Emre will stay
Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has dismissed speculation linking Turkish midfielder Emre with a move away from St James’ Park.
Reports from Germany have suggested the 26-year-old was a target for Bayern Munich during the summer and could again attract their interest in January with Owen Hargreaves’ future under the spotlight.
But Roeder has insisted the former Galatasaray and Inter Milan star, a £4m (€5.9m) signing during Graeme Souness’ time on Tyneside, will be going nowhere.
Roeder told the club’s official website, www.nufc.co.uk: “Where this story has mushroomed from, I have no idea.
“Like I have with all the senior players, I have got an excellent relationship with Emre.
“I am not aware of Bayern Munich making any offers for him whatsoever and I certainly would not encourage them, or any other team, making offers for him.
“He is very much part of my plans. He’s a hugely talented, technical player. I think he is a player the fans enjoy watching at St James’ Park.
“It is the same as what I said about Obafemi Martins when he signed.
“Graeme Souness was right when Emre came here. Inter Milan do not keep players for four seasons if they are not of Champions League standard. He’s certainly a big-game player on the big stage.
“Galatasaray are a massive club in Turkey and a Champions League team, as are Inter Milan.
“Look at how well he has done for the club since he has been here. He has made himself a favourite since day one. The punters have taken to him.
“He was, without doubt, one of Graeme’s best signings. His pedigree is first class, the sort of pedigree you want to attract to the club, so when I saw those reports over the weekend, they took me back. They shocked me.
“Normally, there are no secrets in football. You normally hear what the jungle drums are bashing out.
“But it is better to stamp this out now so it does not run and run.”
