Newcastle to scout Attila Szalai when Fenerbahce host Galatasaray this Sunday

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Newcastle United will send scouts to the Istanbul derby between fierce rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray on Sunday to observe Attila Szalai in view of a possible summer transfer.

That’s according to Fanatik, who note the Toon, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are eager to see how Szalai performs. All four will have talent spotters in attendance at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, as the 24-year-old’s pool of possible suitors continues to expand.

AC Milan and Atletico Madrid hold a very strong interest in the Hungary international after his performances under Ismail Kartal this season. Fenerbache also expect Szalai will attract the biggest fee of any of their prized assets, should he leave the Super Lig side in the summer.

Szalai has so far featured 40 times in all competitions this season as a mainstay of Kartal’s backline. He has also registered one goal and two assists from centre-back, each coming in the Turkish top-flight. Additionally, seven of his outings this term have come as a left-back.

Newcastle to scout Attila Szalai when Fenerbahce host Galatasaray this Sunday

Szalai impressing against Galatasaray on Sunday may go a long way to convicing Newcastle to pursue his transfer from Fenerbahce. The club did explore a deal during January, but were unable to reach an agreement with the Yellow Canaries for the Budapest-born talent.

It was Fanatik who noted the club’s attempt to sign the 23-cap enforcer late in the winter window. United chiefs submitted a €20m (£16.5m) bid nearing deadline day, but it failed to satisfy Fenerbahce’s request. The Magpies were the first side to formally make an offer.

But since then, Szalai has come in for some criticism from ex-Fenerbahce and Galatasaray centre-back Servet Cetin. He told Fotospor in February: “I think Szalai and Kim [Min Jae] are overrated. Oh my god, they didn’t do anything. They do not participate in the game.

“They don’t play well on defence, either. Take a look at the old defenders in Fenerbahce. There were [Fabio] Luciano, [Diego] Lugano, [Simon] Kjaer. I don’t think they are defenders next to them. There is a mountain of difference between them.”